Views sought on controversial car-reducing measures

BIRMINGHAM residents have been urged to share their views on plans to reduce traffic and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in a popular suburb.

The Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme in Kings Heath has been controversial in the past, with opinion being split on the use of modal filters, which keep cars from certain streets.

Supporters say the scheme, which first began in 2020, is better for the environment by getting people out of their cars, walking and cycling.

A public consultation for a “more permanent scheme” has now been launched, with new changes being suggested to address issues which emerged in the past. The consultation, run by Birmingham City Council, said: “While there has been local support for this scheme, it is recognised that there have been issues with larger vehicles needing to reverse along sections of these residential streets.

“There have also been ongoing challenges with bollards being removed without permission or deliberately damaged, creating safety concerns and disproportionate maintenance costs.”

The proposed changes and measures put forward in the consultation include:

A proposed new arrangement of one-way streets and diagonal modal filters will continue to ensure that through-traffic is unable to cut through this area, while enabling access to all properties without the need to turn around or reverse.

Contra-flow cycling will be allowed along all one-way streets and indicated with appropriate signage.

Parking restrictions will be implemented close to junctions to ensure turning movements are unobstructed by parked vehicles.

Changes to the pedestrianised area of York Road to address ongoing issues with unauthorised vehicles entering and travelling through this pedestrian zone, while still ensuring that the access and loading/unloading requirements of local businesses can be satisfactorily provided for.

The consultation page adds: “All changes will be subject to a new Traffic Regulation Order which will include a period of statutory consultation on these proposals prior to implementation.”