Back to work boost

For many of us September means that back to work feeling, but it’s a great time of year to give your energy levels a boost by getting active on the way to work or school. Try leaving the car at home a little more often - you may well find it makes you happier, healthier and more productive. Find out more about safer, greener, healthier travel.

If you need to drive, don't forget that schools go back this week - always think before you park and keep cars well away from the school gates. Remember many residential roads in Birmingham have a 20mph speed limit because ‘slower is safer’ - reduce your speed to help make our streets safer for everyone.

Cycle September is here!

For more motivation to get active why not take part in Cycle September?

Thousands of Individuals and workplaces are enjoying the benefits of cycling and encouraging others to do the same. It’s not too late to take part in the fun, friendly Cycle September challenge - you can ride anywhere, anytime during September - just a 10 minute ride is enough to earn points and win prizes!

If you need a bit of support to get back on your bike or you are new to cycling, find out more about the many FREE activities offered by Big Birmingham Bikes.

It's a good time of year to prepare for cycling in the dark by making sure your bike lights are in good working order.

Westside Metro extension

To enable the extension of the Metro tramway along Broad Street, additional traffic restrictions are now in place. The section of Broad Street from Sheepcote Street to Bridge Street remains open for access to frontages, deliveries and taxis only.

Bus diversions are in place with a number of services not stopping along Broad Street. Camera enforcement of the bus gate along Sheepcote Street is active, so if you drive through the bus gate expect to be fined. 

Successful overnight testing of the Metro and tramway between Grand Central and Victoria Square took place last week. The first section of the Westside Metro extension, which sees new stops at Victoria Square and Centenary Square, is expected to be ready in December.

All businesses remain open as usual during works to extend the Metro in Birmingham. Keep up to date with progress on Westside Midland Metro extension.

Pedestrian access between Victoria Square and Centenary Square currently involves a short diversion which will be in place until 28 October. Diversion signs are there to guide people via Edmund Street and Eden Place. The main entrance to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the accessible Gas Hall entrance remain in normal use.

Brum Breathes

Pollution in the air, mainly caused by vehicles on the roads, is having a harmful effect on the health of people living, working and studying in the city. This is why Birmingham is on a journey to cleaner air and from 2020 we will introduce a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). Find out more about Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone, what it means for you and support on offer on the brand new Brum Breathes website.

Car Free School Streets

From 23 September, six Birmingham schools will be the first in the city to pilot a pioneering scheme where roads around the schools will be closed to motorised traffic at the start and end of the school day. Car Free School Streets will help to make the roads around schools safer, reduce air pollution and encourage more people to walk, scoot or cycle.

This year European Mobility Week (16 to 22 September) is also putting the spotlight on safe walking and cycling - try using the car a little less often for safer streets, cleaner air and to save yourself some money.

Selly Oak New Road

Work continues on the final section of the Selly Oak New Road project, consisting of highways improvements to the Selly Oak Triangle (Bristol Road, Harborne Lane and Chapel Lane). These works will continue to require lane closures during off peak hours.
Also in the area, pedestrian access is now open between Selly Oak Station, the new Birmingham Battery Park student accommodation and the retail park.

HS2 works in central Birmingham

The HS2 team are carrying out utilities surveys in central Birmingham. Curzon Street is now closed to traffic between Cardigan Street and New Canal Street until mid-September. On 16 September a section of New Canal Street and Fazeley Street is expected to be closed to traffic and on 21 September a phased road closure is planned on Andover Street between the junctions of Banbury Street and Fazeley Street. Diversion routes will be signed and pedestrian access maintained at all times with some temporary diversions. Find out more about HS2 in Birmingham.

Have your say

Selly Oak Canal Ramp - consultation closes 6 September

Parking in St Georges, Newtown - consultation closes 15 September

Parking in Highgate - consultation closes 15 September

Dates for the diary

September - Cycle September

16 to 22 September - European Mobility Week

October - Walk to School Month

16 October - Arval Hydrogen Roadshow Birmingham

Article posted on 5 September 2019