Birmingham City Council is proposing new road safety measures, including a 20mph speed limit and a bus gate, to address an accident-prone area near the city centre. The focus is on the Vauxhall and Duddeston neighborhoods, which have seen frequent collisions and traffic challenges.
Over the past three years, 58 crashes have been recorded in the area, with 24 incidents on the B4132 corridor encompassing Vauxhall Road, Melvina Road, and Great Francis Street. This route experiences heavy use, with approximately 18,000 vehicles passing daily.
The council highlighted the safety risks posed by high traffic volumes, especially concerning students attending three local schools situated along this route. An additional concern is the widespread pavement parking problem, as up to 41% of parked vehicles are obstructing sidewalks, creating difficulties for pedestrians and wheelchair users.
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To tackle these issues, the council has outlined several traffic management improvements aimed at enhancing safety and reducing congestion. These measures are part of a broader transport strategy focused on transforming Birmingham’s transport network to better support sustainable travel options and address climate change.
The council’s transport plan emphasizes that private car travel cannot match the capacity of mass public transport and stresses the need for investment in walking, cycling, and public transit infrastructure. Ultimately, it calls for a fundamental shift in travel habits, encouraging residents to reduce car usage.
Public feedback on the proposed changes is being welcomed as part of the city’s efforts to create safer, more accessible streets for all users.