‘Contingency’ for Games

CONTINGENCY plans “are in place” if rail strikes affect transport in Birmingham during the Commonwealth Games, it has been revealed.

Council leader Ian Ward was asked by Tory group leader Robert Alden whether there were plans if further strikes come at the end of July when the city hosts the Games.

Cllr Ward said: “We’ve been talking to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and Transport for West Midlands and contingencies are being put in place for the possibility of strikes during the Games. We hope that doesn’t happen, but if there is disruption on the railways we will do our best to put mitigating measures in place to ensure people can go to and from the city and Games venues.”

Cllr Alden also asked the leader: “The rail strike comes at a time of rising costs of living and extra costs for commuters. Does the leader commit to waiving all Clean Air Zone Charges during those days of strike action to ensure commuters can still get to work?”

Cllr Ward said there would be no exemptions to the charge on the days of industrial action, nor would there be any exemptions during the Commonwealth Games.

“The Clean Air Zone has led to a 13 per cent improvement in air quality,” he said. “It is not in the interests of anyone to disband the measures even on a temporary basis. I also don’t believe Cllr Alden’s own government would appreciate us lifting the charges even temporarily during the Games. We have to protect the health of people living and visiting the city during the Games so no.”