Skip to main content

Twenty year vision for Birmingham city transport

A white paper setting out Birmingham’s 20-year vision for improving transport across the city is set to be unveiled today. Birmingham Connected aims to make the city safer and easier to travel around by reducing congestion and promoting more sustainable forms of transport. Initiatives in the plan include the completion of a US$1.9 billion public transport network within 20 years and the development of Green Travel Districts to enable people to walk, cycle or take public transport safely. A feasibilit
November 14, 2014 Read time: 3 mins
A white paper setting out Birmingham’s 20-year vision for improving transport across the city is set to be unveiled today.

Birmingham Connected aims to make the city safer and easier to travel around by reducing congestion and promoting more sustainable forms of transport.

Initiatives in the plan include the completion of a US$1.9 billion public transport network within 20 years and the development of Green Travel Districts to enable people to walk, cycle or take public transport safely. A feasibility study is to be carried out in 2015.

Plans also include developing a strategy for the long-term future and role of the A38 through the city, including consulting on options such as substantial redesign and redirecting through traffic on to either a substantially upgraded ring road or new, longer tunnels under the city. Consultation will begin in 2015.

Other initiatives include improving rail links across the city and beyond an investment package to deliver Birmingham’s local connectivity strategy for HS2 and the promotion of a Low Emissions Zone in the city centre to improve air quality and help Birmingham City Council meet carbon reduction targets.

Council leader Sir Albert Bore said: “Birmingham Connected sets a new direction for transport, not just for tomorrow but for the next 20 years.  It ushers in a new era in the way we think about moving people and goods from, into, around and through the city and region, delivering projects and infrastructure, and the ways in which we fund them.”

Councillor Tahir Ali, cabinet member for Development, Transport and the Economy, said: “Our vision is to create a transport system, which puts the user first and delivers the connectivity that local people and businesses require.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “The government has put transport at the heart of its long term economic plan, because the future of successful cities depends on efficient transport that can connect people with jobs, link communities with services and attract new investment.”

However, the 6983 Freight Transport Association (FTA) believes that the white paper leaves more questions than answers regarding freight movements.
 
Sally Gilson, FTA policy manager – Midlands said: “Whilst it is positive that the movement of goods is being viewed as a priority in the Birmingham Connected action plan and prioritising freight during off peak times is a step in the right direction, it is during the peak times that freight has issues.”
 
“FTA engaged with Birmingham City Council throughout the consultation process and will continue to offer support and advice in helping achieve efficient freight movements in and around Birmingham. I look forward to seeing further detail regarding the freight strategy.”

Related Content

  • LCRS members leading the way in reducing emissions
    May 18, 2015
    According to the FTA Logistics Carbon Review 2015, Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) members are leading the way in making significant progress in reducing carbon emissions – compared to the rest of the logistics industry. Released at the Freight Transport Association’s annual Logistics Carbon Reduction Conference last week, the report incorporates the fifth annual results of the LCRS and reveals that the freight industry is contributing to national climate change reduction targets. Rachael
  • UK puts £90m into three ‘future transport zones’
    April 3, 2020
    The UK government has pledged £90 million to three 'future transport zones' to test new ways of transporting people and goods. 
  • Georgia Yexley: Here's how micromobility can deliver public good
    June 27, 2023
    Georgia Yexley, founder of Loud Mobility, looks at the lessons on diversity, equity and inclusion which can be learned from the US and wider – and explores why it is a vital component for industry growth in the UK
  • USDOT seeks applications for new FASTLANE grant program
    February 29, 2016
    The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) is soliciting applications for the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant program, a new program in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to fund critical freight and highway projects across the country. The FAST Act authorises US$800 million in funding for the FASTLANE program for fiscal year 2016, with 25 per cent reserved for rural projects, and 10 per cent