Controversial low traffic scheme set for expansion

Plans for the second phase in Kings Heath include new 20mph speed limits and one-way streets

Birmingham City Council is pushing ahead with the second phase of a divisive Kings Heath traffic scheme, with new 20mph speed limits and one-way streets planned.

The suburb's Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) has previously split opinion, with restrictions banning through traffic on certain streets proving particularly contentious.

The council said it wanted to reduce traffic in residential neighbourhoods to try to make it safer for people to walk and cycle.

But it also acknowledged the scheme had been "controversial" and there were "strong feelings both in favour and against."

So far, so-called modal filters have been introduced to the west of Kings Heath High Street and a section of York Road has been pedestrianised.

The proposed second phase of the scheme would deliver the "planned full expansion" to the east of the High Street and into south Moseley.

It would also mitigate the displacement of traffic caused by the "previous partial implementation of the scheme".

According to a council report, the second phase would be split into four packages:

• Revision and consolidation of the temporary measures located mostly to the west of the High Street.

• New measures to the east of the High Street including new modal filters, one-way streets, and traffic calming.

• 20mph speed limit across the project area, including all boundary roads, and traffic calming measures along Coldbath Road.

• Introduction of a bus gate on Addison Road and reinstatement of the right turn from Vicarage Road onto A435 Alcester Road.

'Strong opinions'

At a meeting on Tuesday, cabinet members at the Labour-run council agreed to approve the full business case for the first two packages.

Mat MacDonald, an NHS doctor appointed road safety commissioner by West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, welcomed the move.

Deputy leader at Birmingham City Council, Sharon Thompson added "I think everybody is broadly in agreement that to do nothing is not an option."

But the Birmingham Conservative Group said it would scrap the LTN in Kings Heath if it took control of the council, saying the scheme made it harder for many residents to visit high street businesses.

Labour cabinet member for transport, Majid Mahmood, acknowledged the project had "sparked strong opinions", adding that was why the council had "held seven rounds of consultation, listened to feedback and crucially made changes to the design."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.