Birmingham Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme to be extended to Bournville & Cotteridge

Birmingham City Council hopes to extend its controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme - Places for People - to whole of Bournville and Cotteridge.

This plan comes after the council announced its intention to make Birmingham city centre largely traffic free - eliminating through traffic - and reducing the use of private cars in out of town neighbourhoods by 2040.

The consultation for Bournville and Cotteridge Places for People is open until July 2 so that people can voice their concerns over it. Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) limit access for cars on certain roads and restrict speeds to 20mph.

There was huge opposition to the scheme in Moseley and Kings Heath when it was introduced during the pandemic, particularly from businesses who expereinced issues with footfall and delivery levels. It is set to become permanent in November 2023.

Previously, the council introduced temporary measures in Bournville in 2020 by placing large planters and bollards on Oak Tree Lane and Franklin Road to prevent motorised vehicles from using these side streets to cut through and avoid main roads.

The measures could not only become permanent but would apply to whole of Bournville - a neighbourhood that includes several attractions and historic homes - and Cotteridge and its busy shopping area and numerous takeaways.

The council said the scheme is intended to reduce traffic in residential neighbourhoods making it safer for people, especially children and elderly, to walk and cycle through various methods like one-way streets, traffic calming and more. It is also expected to reduce pollution levels in neighbourhoods.

Pollution level in Bournville on Wednesay, June 7 was around AQI 28 meaning it was “fair”. The air quality is generally acceptable for most people but sensitive groups may experience minor to moderate symptoms from long-term exposure. But not everyone is happy.

Reaction to the Low Traffic Neigbourhod plan for Bournville & Cotteridge

One Bournville business owner, Dhruv Sharma of Mary Vale News & Wines, said: “This is bad for us and I don’t agree with it personally. We will be writing against it. They intend to introduce one-way system to Mary Vale Rd. We will have to take a longer route to get to the same destination and that will cause more pollution.”

Yet some people have welcomed the move and shared their views on Twitter. One resident said: “Really well done BCC for trialing some changes in my local neighbourhood, making them permanent & now delivering much more. Got some suggestions on the plans so will be engaging in the consultation events, do the same ppl!”

What is included in the Low Traffic Neighbourhood plans for Bournville & Cotteridge?

Mary Vale Road and Beaumont Road both will become one-way streets, if the plan goes through. Other changes include, 15 new zebra crossings, including on Station Road, as well as six new signalled crossings.

As per the plan, speed limits are set at 20mph and more modal filters would be introduced. It would stop vehicles from driving through a section of a road but those on foot or on a cycle will be able to use the roads.

Here is what the plans in Bournville & Cotteridge include:

1. Modal filter
2. One-way streets on Mary Vale and Beaumont Roads
3. Segregated cycle track
4. On street cycle route
5. Shared use path
6. Six signalised crossing
7. 15 raised zebra/parallel crossing
8. Kerb adjustments at junction
9. Traffic Calming on Northfield Road, Laburnum road

Here are the affected roads

1. Hole lane
2. Mary Vale road
3. Heath road
4. Northfield road
5. Selly oak road
6. Laburnum road
7. Bournville Lane
8. Cob Lane

What Birmingham City Council said

Birmingham City Council said: “The city council is currently consulting with residents on the design of the proposed Low Traffic Neighbourhood which responds to feedback from earlier engagement. We know residents have been campaigning for measures to reduce through traffic, reduce speeding and make our roads safer and more welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists and the purpose of the current consultation is to engage as many residents as possible and secure their feedback.”

People who wish to respond during the consultation period, can do so by responding to this survey.