Clean Air Zone launch – 1 June 2021

There is now only a few weeks to go until the Clean Air Zone goes live on 1 June, so before it launches make sure you, your colleagues, family and friends have:

• Checked if you will be charged for driving in the Clean Air Zone
• Applied (if eligible) for a temporary exemption permit or financial incentives
• Checked how to pay or considered alternative ways to travel, such as walking, cycling or using public transport

Watch this short video with Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council, as he talks through the dangers of poor air quality and the benefits of walking and cycling. To find out about free Clean Air Zone information events visit the Brum Breathes website.

Businesses and organisations can register for FREE with Modeshift STARS to take action to reduce air pollution and be rewarded for promoting greener, healthier travel. More information, including a recent podcast about workplace travel planning, can be found on the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce website.

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City Centre improvements

Birmingham Eastside Extension

Main construction of the West Midlands Metro extension linking Digbeth with the city centre will start next month when works to construct a tramway junction at Lower Bull Street and Corporation Street get underway.

To allow new track to be laid for the much-anticipated Birmingham Eastside Metro extension, Lower Bull Street will close to all traffic from Sunday 6 June while pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Please visit the Midland Metro Alliance for full details including information on changes to bus stops and diversions.

Paradise public transport improvements

The newly-unveiled Paradise Public Transport Improvement Scheme looks to respond to the city’s air pollution challenges by re-opening the road for buses, trams, taxis and bicycles. Private cars will continue to be able to use the tunnel beneath Paradise for through trips on the A38, whilst access is maintained to key locations within the area. To find out more information and comment on the proposals, please visit Birmingham Be Heard.

Southside public realm improvements

The redevelopment of Birmingham's Southside District is now underway, with works to deliver improved walking and cycling routes to New Street Station and a new public square adjacent to Birmingham Hippodrome.

Moor Street Queensway bus gate

A bus gate is now operational on Moor Street Queensway restricting general traffic from travelling between Moor Street Station and the junction with Carrs Lane in either direction.

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Perry Barr regeneration

Perry Barr rail station

Perry Barr rail station closed for refurbishment on Monday 10 May for 12 months. Trains will not call at the station during this time, and passengers will not be able to get on or off trains at this station. This is part of the Perry Barr regeneration programme and will see a new modern and more accessible station being built on the existing site.

Please visit West Midlands Railway for information on season tickets, alternative travel options and station updates.

A34 Sprint works

Construction of new bus priority measures along the A34 in north Birmingham is ongoing. This will see bus lanes extended, junctions upgraded and new shelters installed between Birmingham city centre and the Scott Arms junction in Great Barr. This will form part of the wider Sprint bus route linking the A34 with the A45.

For full details on the Perry Barr regeneration programme and the wider benefits, please visit Birmingham City Council. For information and updates on current lane closures, including how to plan your journey, please visit West Midlands Network.

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Walking and Cycling

Walk this May!

May is National Walking Month and Living Streets are challenging people to fit 20 minutes of walking into the day with help and advice from their #Try20 tips along with free resources to get you walking the roadmap out of lockdown.

West Midlands Cycle Hire

West Midlands Cycle Hire is now available in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Coventry, Stourbridge, Walsall, Wolverhampton and will be arriving in Birmingham from Monday 24 May. Find out more and get your first ride FREE!

Big Bike Revival

Cycling UK is launching its Big Bike Revival programme from Monday 17 May to help people wanting to return to cycling or those starting out as complete beginners. Big Bike Revival will deliver free events that enable a community to start cycling through fixing bikes, teaching skills and leading rides.

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Coronavirus updates

The next stage of easing out of lockdown starts from Monday 17 May, including indoor pubs, theatres, hotels and many other venues reopening. Read the full guidance on what you can do.

Public Transport advice

As restrictions continue to ease and places reopen, public transport operators are working harder than ever to keep people safe.

National Express West Midlands have launched Travelling Safely Together with lots of advice around what to do when travelling by bus and details of how they continue to operate safely and responsibly. They have also recently announced a reduction in fares from 21 June 2021 and contactless weekly ticket price capping.

Network Rail have published Helping you Travel Safely advice about what is happening at stations and on trains. You can also keep up-to-date with the latest Coronavirus travel advice from West Midlands Railway.

West Midlands Metro have provided safer travel guidance to follow when using the tram.

Taxis and private hire vehicles are available when needed with drivers and operators following Government guidance to keep passengers safe for these journeys.

Remember walking and cycling are also a great way to get about, stay safe and keep fit and healthy as we ease out of lockdown.

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'Crash for Cash' hotspots campaign

The Insurance Fraud Bureau have launched a national public awareness campaign to highlight the UK’s top 30 postal districts where ‘Crash for Cash’ scams are most common and Birmingham is highlighted as the most prevalent area for this dangerous scam.

Crash for Cash involves fraudsters inventing or deliberately causing collisions, often with innocent road users, in an attempt to get financial compensation. Find out more information on how to avoid these scams and how to report them.

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Have your say

COVID 19 Impact Survey - survey on the impact that COVID-19 and lockdown measures have had on people's health and wellbeing. Closes 22 May.

E-scooters: Experimental Traffic Regulation Order – consultation closes 26 May.

Commonwealth Games Public Realm - give your views on the proposed package of public realm improvements. Consultation closes 28 May.

Paradise Public Transport Improvement Scheme - consultation on the proposed re-opening of the road for buses, trams, taxis and bicycles. Consultation closes 1 June.

Wheelers Lane (Better Streets Community Fund) - give your views on proposed crossing improvements at Wheelers Lane in Kings Heath. Consultation closes 10 June.

Ladypool Road Improvement Scheme - consultation on proposed segregated cycle track will be available for comment from 17 May. Consultation closes 11 June.

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Dates for the diary

Throughout May (various sessions) - Clean Air Zone webinars. For full details on events, visit Brum Breathes.

1 to 31 May - Walk This May. Living Streets are hosting their National Walking Month. To register, please visit Walk This May.

17 to 21 May - Walk to School Week. Join Living Streets in the five-day walking challenge, an annual celebration of the walk to school and the perfect activity taking place.

30 May to 5 June - Bike Week. Cycling UK is hosting its annual celebration to showcase cycling. For more information please visit Bike Week.

1 June - Clean Air Zone launch. For more information go to Brum Breathes.

17 June - Clean Air Day. Clean Air Day is the UK's largest air pollution campaign. Visit the Global Action Plan website for more information.

Article posted on 12 May 2021