Low Traffic Neighbourhood plan with 20mph speed limit set to be extended for Kings Heath and Moseley

Cabinet members at Birmingham City Council are set to extend its controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme - also known as Places for People - in Kings Heath and Moseley.

The extension includes plans to extend the 20mph speed limit and introduce more modal filters - which prevent vehicles from driving through a section of a road, but still allows people to pass through on foot or by bike by placing bollards, planters or gates at strategic points.

The experimental first phase of the scheme was introduced during the pandemic in 2020 and proved divisive among the local community - with some finding benefits and others saying it was causing major difficulties for them accessing their homes, businesses and local schools.

A dedicated Kings Heath and Moseley Advisory Group was established in May 2021 as a response to the local issues raised. The council says this has continued to steer the development of the project with latest proposals addressing local concerns about the scheme’s impact

The Cabinet is now set to approve a second phase of the scheme in the area which the council says will promote walking and cycling as a first choice for making short journeys such as the school run to help create safe and healthy streets.

The new measures include:

• Modal filters and one-way streets at various locations across the area
• The introduction of Car Free School Streets - with the council already working with local schools
• A bus gate on Addison Road
• Traffic calming along Billesley Lane
• Rail stations on the Camp Hill Line set to open in Winter 2023
• Improvements to bus services on the A435 for delivery in 2024

What does the Council say about the Places for People scheme, also known as a Low Traffic Neighbourhood?

The Places for People scheme is part of the Council’s flagship proposal, set out in the Birmingham Transport Plan, aimed at reducing traffic in residential communities.

This opens up local areas for people walking and cycling, makes areas safer, especially for children and older people, and can improve areas as people start to ditch the car in favour of active travel modes for local journeys.

Thanks to further funding made available from central Government for Active Travel, a more extensive scheme was developed, incorporating and expanding the existing measures whilst continuing to address local concerns about the scheme’s impacts.

What has the Cabinet member said about the proposals in her own words?

Cllr Liz Clements, cabinet member for transport, said: “We know from speaking to residents that congestion is a real issue for communities and neighbourhoods; they don’t want their roads used as rat runs, they want them to be safe places to walk, cycle and play.

“We have done a huge amount of consultation since the start of the initial scheme and I know there have been concerns, which is why the project board was set up and we have continued to engage with residents, businesses and schools.

“As a city and as a country we need to move away from designing areas around cars and instead think about creating healthy, safe and better-connected neighbourhoods.”

The report will go to Birmingham City Cabinet on 17 January.