Birmingham Transport Plan

The Birmingham Transport Plan is set to be adopted by Cabinet on Tuesday 12 October. The plan sets a bold vision for an inclusive, sustainable and low carbon transport network.

Key action areas of re-allocating road space, transforming the city centre, prioritising active travel in local neighbourhoods and managing demand through parking measures will deliver the plan's objectives to:

• sustain economic success
• support, empower and connect communities
• reduce the negative impacts of transport on the environment
• urgently and drastically reduce carbon emissions from transport

To view the plan please visit Birmingham City Council.

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Kings Heath and Moseley Places for People

Places for People aims to reduce traffic in residential neighbourhoods so that it is safer for people to walk and cycle, and nicer to be outside for children to play and neighbours to chat. In winter 2020/21 a review of the Places for People project delivered in Kings Heath and Moseley was conducted and in February/March 2021 views were gathered to inform phase two of the project. Consultation on the next phase of the project is now open.

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Back to Work

Modeshift Stars

We are thrilled to share that a further 9 Birmingham based workplaces and 18 schools have recently gained accreditation through the Modeshift STARS travel planning and reward scheme. It's fantastic to see so many organisations, large and small, across the city being recognised for their efforts to encourage greener, healthier ways to travel.

It's FREE for organisations in Birmingham to register with Modeshift STARS and you will receive support from our team to achieve national standard accreditation. Contact connected@birmingham.gov.uk for more information.

Our congratulations extend to those organisations, including several from the West Midlands, to have been shortlisted for the 2021 Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Awards - the awards recognise excellence in the promotion of active and sustainable travel and the winners will be announced at the Modeshift Annual Convention in November.

Workwise: get cheaper travel to work

Residents in the West Midlands who have just gained a new job could benefit from free bus, tram and rail travel to work. Transport for West Midlands has teamed up with local transport operators to offer two four-week tickets free, then a third four-week ticket at a 50% discount from the standard price on selected bus, tram and network travel passes through the Workwise scheme. The scheme is aimed at giving newly employed people a helping hand into work. To find out more, please visit Transport for West Midlands.

Return to the office toolkit

Has your business recently returned to the workplace now Covid restrictions have eased? Would you like support in helping your staff travel back to work? We can help!

Download TfWM’s free “Supporting your return to the office” toolkit and come along to one of their free bitesize sessions (details listed in the toolkit) to learn about Successful Travel Plans, Flexible Ticketing and much more!

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Cycling and Walking

Winter Cycling Guide

Whatever the weather this winter, be safe when cycling and follow these simple tips in our winter cycling guide. Wrap up warm, tame the wet and always check the conditions before setting out.

Cycle Hire Minute Bundles to Buy

If you are a regular user of the West Midlands Bike Hire, this may be for you. You can buy a bundle of minutes upfront through the Beryl App, and minutes will then be deducted from your balance depending on how long you ride. The cost is 5p per minute of riding. You also won’t pay an unlock fee of £1 each time you ride. You can purchase bundles of 100 minutes (£5.00), 300 minutes (£15.00) or 600 minutes (£30.00).

Walk to School Month

October is international walk to school month. By walking to school, we reduce our carbon emissions, supporting natural habitats and animals across the globe. Traffic pollution makes a significant contribution to climate change around the world so join the movement, ditch the car and walk to school this October. For more information, visit the Living Streets website where they are hosting a social media challenge.

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Engineering Works

Perry Barr bus interchange regeneration

Preparatory works have begun for the redevelopment of the Perry Barr bus interchange outside One Stop. Passengers will board and alight instead at temporary bus stops on Walsall Road. This is part of the regeneration of Perry Bar scheme and will remain closed until Spring 2022. For more details, including where the location of the temporary bus stops can be found, please visit Transport for West Midlands.

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Commonwealth Games

Residents and community groups now have a second chance to bid for a slice of a £2million council fund created to help people celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Celebrating Communities Small Grants Funding Scheme has been assembled by Birmingham City Council to maximise the benefit and legacy of being the Proud Host City for the Games. Grants will be available to run initiatives which deliver against one of three themes: ‘Get Active’, ‘Ready, Steady, Fun’ and ‘Celebrating Culture’ Further information can be found at Birmingham City Council Birmingham 2022 microsite.

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Clean Air Zone

Drivers entering the Clean Air Zone are reminded to ensure they are aware of the deadline to make any payments if you are driving a non-compliant vehicle.

Payment must be made via the Government's online payment system or by calling the National Contact Centre on 0300 029 8888 (8am to 4:30pm) either:

• 6 days before the day of your visit
• the day of your visit
• 6 days after the day of your visit

You will not receive a notification advising you that you have entered the zone; you as a driver are fully responsible for understanding and managing all payments.

If you do not pay during that allocated 13-day payment window you will be subject to a Penalty Charge Notice of £120, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

More information on the Brum Breathes website.

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Have your say

Metro Edgbaston Extension Traffic Regulation Orders consultation - The Metro Edgbaston Extension is the section of the tramway system that runs between Centenary Square and the new tram stop/terminus at 54, Hagley Road in Birmingham. It forms part of the overall tramway that operates between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. This consultation is about the Traffic Regulation Orders associated with the Metro extension. Consultation closes on 15 October 2021.

Kings Heath and Moseley Places for People - Places for People in Kings Heath and Moseley aims to reduce traffic in residential neighbourhoods so that it is safer for people to walk and cycle, and nicer to be outside for children to play and neighbours to chat. This consultation is on the next phase of Places for People in Kings Heath and Moseley where permanent and new measures will be added. Consultation closes on 5 November 2021.

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Dates for the diary

1 to 31 October - International Walk to School Month - Stay active and enjoy the autumn season by walking to school. Find out more at Living Streets.

11 October - Transport for West Midland's Local Transport Plan Event - Businesses can share views on how they see themselves responding to new challenges and what they think they need from the transport system in the future. Sign up for free.

20 October - Progressing to a net zero business through transport webinar - Improve your reputation, employee wellbeing and financial support all whilst reducing your transport emissions. Sign up at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

15 to 21 November - Brake Road Safety Week - The UK's biggest road safety event. Register for your free safety pack at Road Safety Week 2021.

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Article posted on 6 October 2021