Live updates: Train strike in Birmingham - first day of RMT industrial action

BirminghamWorld news reporter Joe Fore contacted the AA for advice on roads in Birmingham. They say it looks like many people are working from home, but reported several traffic hotspots, saying: “Traffic is looking steady around Birmingham at the moment. The busiest areas look to be around the A435 Kings Heath and Balsall Heath. It’s also busier than usual around St. Andrews. The city centre A4400 around the Museum and Art Gallery is also looking busy at the moment.

“It looks like the people who can work from home have taken the opportunity to do so, with those who can’t, such as health workers, shop workers, and hospitality staff car sharing where possible.”

BirminghamWorld video journalist Richard Gullick spoke to RMT members to find out how they believe the strike action is going. Here they explain why they feel the walk outs are necessary and whether further action will be taken

Travelling musician Elin tells BirminghamWorld, video journalist, Richard Gullick how she is trying to get from Birmingham to Sheffleild for a gig as the train strike continues, while Isaac has been it with the Clean Air Zone fee as he was forced to drive into town.

Birmingham Hall Green MP Tahir Ali said he would be joining pickets later on Tuesday and posted: “Solidarity to all those who are out taking action to protect jobs, ensure safety, and win better pay and conditions.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “Our reduced timetable has been running effectively throughout the day and I would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding.

“With a significantly reduced service in operation, our advice remains that passengers should only travel if their journey is essential and they have no other means of transport available to them.”

Birmingham City Council members discussed the affects of the rail strike on residents at a recent full council meeting. This included a question from Conservitive members as to whether the Labour leaders would cut the Clean Air Zone charges as people were unable to use trains to enter the city centre. But the answer was a firm no.

Here’s what was said: Cllr Alden also asked the Leader of the Council: “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?”

In response, Cllr Ward confirmed 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, we will not be lifting the Clean Air Zone during the Commonwealth Games.”

Disruption across the railways is due to continue on Wednesday, with only 60% of trains across the country running, mainly due to a delay to the start of services as signallers and control room staff are not doing overnight shifts.

Although strike action is scheduled on Thursday (23 June) and Saturday (June 25), significantly reduced West Midlands Railway services will also operate on Wednesday 22 June and Friday 24 June as the strike action will impact the usual operation of the railway.

You can see the round up of today’s events in our story here: BirminghamWorld rail strikes

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