The problem We’ve all experienced the effects of traffic congestion on our roads, especially during peak hours in the city, which we are all aware is going to be an ever growing problem. Did you know that during peak times four out of five vehicles in Birmingham have just one person in them? In reality with a few small changes to our commuting habits we can make travelling into the city a more enjoyable and less frustrating experience. We could also reach our destination quicker by increasing the number of people travelling in each vehicle. Be part of the solution! We can increase the number of people in each vehicle quite simply by car-sharing. Birmingham City Council is actively promoting car sharing as a real alternative choice when making a journey. About Car sharing Car sharing is an informal arrangement between two or more people to travel together in one vehicle instead of each travelling in their own vehicles. There are significant benefits to be had by car sharing, you can: save money on fuel and running costs, reduce mileage and wear and tear on your vehicle, help the environment and reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy a more sociable and less stressful way to travel.

The lane will be marked out on the road... The car-share lane From Monday 19 November 2007, we are introducing a trial car share lane dedicated to vehicles which are carrying a driver plus at least one other person as a passenger. The car share lane will run between Spitfire Island and Ashted Circus and operate along the inside lane of the A47 heading towards Birmingham city centre, however the lane will stop at junctions where vehicles need to turn left. The car share lane will apply only to traffic travelling towards the city centre and will only operate from 7am - 10am, Monday to Friday. Signs and road markings will be used to clearly mark out the lane; please familiarise yourself with these signs:

...and by signs at the roadside What the lane will achieve The major benefits are: quicker and more reliable journey times for car sharers, reduced traffic congestion because the same number of people are travelling in fewer vehicles, and because there are fewer vehicles and less congestion there is also less air and noise pollution. Who can use the Car Share Lane? Vehicles allowed to use the lane are: cars, vans and light goods vehicles (under 7.5 tonnes) carrying at least one person in addition to the driver, all buses and coaches, pedal cycles, motorcycles, and emergency vehicles. Vehicles not allowed to use the lane are: cars, vans and light goods vehicles (under 7.5 tonnes) carrying only the driver, and Heavy Goods Vehicles (over 7.5 tonnes). Enforcement The car-sharing lane will be enforced by the Police and fines will be issued to offenders found to be contravening the lane.

What Happens Next The trial will last for one year and depending on how well the lane works it could be made permanent. The car share lane’s impact will be monitored constantly and key data such as journey times through to safety for all road users will be collected. These results will then be analysed and used to decide wether the lane should stay after the trial and if there should be more car share lanes introduced to other parts of the city. How people can car share Even if your journey does not take you onto the A47 car-share lane you can still gain real benefits from the car share scheme. Our TravelWise team have set-up a fantastic easy to use website for potential car-sharers to make contact with other car-sharers within the same company or organisation. This website is only available to employees of companies or organisations that have signed up to the carshareBirmingham scheme, so if your company is not a member, encourage your boss to take part - www.carsharebirmingham.org.uk. (Please note that any personal details given in order to find a match will be stored securely) Alternatively, people can make their own arrangements with each other. You don’t need to be registered with the database to use the car-share lane. It is advisable to meet potential car-sharers before starting to participate. Please remember, you are under no obligation to go ahead with any car-sharing arrangements if you are not completely comfortable.

Tel: 0121 303 0089 Email: carsharelane@birmingham.gov.uk Website: www.carsharebirmingham.org.uk