Emergency Birmingham Transport Plan

£3.85 million has been awarded to the West Midlands from the Government to fast track measures to encourage walking and cycling.

Birmingham's share of the funding will be used to implement measures from our Emergency Birmingham Transport Plan, including 7 pop up cycle routes, further widening of pavements and 2 low traffic neighbourhoods pilots in Lozells and Kings Heath.

Unfortunately, the Department for Transport has declined Birmingham's request for a default 20mph speed limit on residential roads and in local centres. We remain committed to rolling out further 20mph areas as resources allow.

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Travelling safely

With many more businesses set to open from Saturday, it remains important to observe social distancing and avoid places with too many people.

Walk or cycle for your journeys whenever possible. Please observe pavement markings and one way systems which have been added in the city centre and some local centres for pedestrians.

Public transport services are now returning to full timetables but will have reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. Remember, you must wear a face covering when using public transport.

If you are driving, do so safely: West Midlands Police will be targeting speeding hotpots as part of the #takeextracare campaign. Please also consider where you park, leaving the pavement clear for pedestrians.

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Roadworks and changes

HS2 works - Park Street closure

As part of works to build the new HS2 Curzon Street Station in central Birmingham, Park Street will close permanently between the junction of Masshouse Lane and Bordesley Street from Sunday 5 July. To find out more visit the West Midlands Network website.

Perry Barr Highway Works

Road works have now started in Perry Barr and a new traffic layout is temporarily in operation. The highway improvement scheme is part of the wider regeneration of Perry Barr. We aim to keep disruption to a minimum, but some will be unavoidable. To help follow this travel advice:

• Plan ahead - leave more time for your journey or use an alternative route
• Walk or cycle for local journeys whenever possible
• Travel at quieter times

Read more travel advice on the West Midlands Network website.

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Sprint bus routes - have your say

Final plans for the linked Sprint bus routes from Walsall to Birmingham (A34) and Birmingham to Solihull and the airport (A45) are out for consultation. The uninterrupted 34km cross-city route from Walsall to Solihull is one of seven new Sprint routes planned for the West Midlands.

The consultations include changes to red routes, bus lanes, traffic movements and pedestrian crossings.

Both consultations close on Monday 20 July 2020.

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Workplace travel

Better transport; better health and wellbeing webinar

Join us for our next free webinar aimed at Birmingham based businesses and organisations: Tuesday 14 July, 3-4pm ‘Better transport; better health and wellbeing’. Representatives from Birmingham City Council’s Travel Demand Management Team, Clean Air Zone Team and Public Health will be presenting.

Register your free place via Eventbrite.

Workplaces rewarded for promoting greener, healthier travel

Congratulations to Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust for achieving Modeshift STARS Business Bronze Accreditation for the delivery of their Travel Plan. The Trust is the first workplace in Birmingham to gain this award which demonstrates their commitment to promoting greener, healthier travel.

A Workplace Travel Plan can help support staff with travel post lockdown and mean your business is recognised for its green credentials. Register your organisation directly on Modeshift STARS or email us for more information.

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Cycling

Government’s Fix Your Bike Voucher Scheme

Energy Saving Trust is currently registering businesses to participate in the Department for Transport’s Fix Your Bike Voucher Scheme. If you are a mechanic or have a cycle repair business and would like to participate in the scheme as a cycle repairer, find out more.

Apply for free cycle parking at your organisation

Transport for West Midlands still have funding available to provide free bike racks to businesses and organisation. There has been a great response from Birmingham businesses, organisations and schools, and we would love to see even more take up of the offer.

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School Travel

Car Free School Streets

From September 2020, six more schools will join our Car Free School Streets initiative. Streets surrounding the schools are closed to motor traffic at the start and end of the school day in order to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality at the school gates, and make it easier and safer for children to get to and from school. Read more about the project and the schools involved.

Birmingham School Travel Survey - you could win a bike!

Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, are supporting us with a short survey looking at how children and their parents/carers travel to and from school. The survey closes at midnight on Sunday 19 July and respondents could win a bike and accessories worth up to £400.

Young Active Travel Trust Funding

Schools looking for some extra funding for sustainable travel activities can apply to the Young Active Travel Trust for grants of up to £1,000. The deadline for the next funding round is Friday 10 July. Find out more.

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Have your say

School travel survey - survey closes 19 July

Sprint Walsall to Birmingham (A34) route) - consultation closes 20 July

Sprint Birmingham to Solihull and the airport (A45) route - consultation closes 20 July

COVID-19 impact survey (for all citizens) - survey closes 31 July

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Dates for the diary

8 July - Transition Travel to Secondary School online teacher training session

10 July - Young Active Travel grant application deadline

14 July - Better transport; better health and wellbeing webinar

Article posted on 2 July 2020.