canal trip commuters

Commuters could be swapping their cars for canal boats as part of an ambitious plan to encourage staff to travel to work via the waterways in Sandwell.

Journey times would be slashed if water buses were introduced, according to the borough's regeneration chief Councillor Bob Badham.

And transport bosses will be taking his ideas on board as they examine the possibility of using two miles of canal between Smethwick and Birmingham City Centre as a possible route.

Councillor Badham's idea is still in its infancy but he said that Government plans to enforce pollution-busting methods could mean that the environmentally-friendly transport system could become a necessity.

Speaking at a meeting of 400 architects and other people involved with the borough's £3 billion of regeneration Councillor Badham outlined his vision for people travelling to work by boat.

He said:"This is very much an embryo of an idea but there is talk of the using the two miles of canal between Smethwick and the centre of Birmingham for a water bus.

"It could be possible to do that stretch in 20 minutes instead of spending much longer stuck in traffic. We are also looking at the possibility of taking items along the canal to our recycling centre at Hill Top."

The news comes after it was announced last month that business leaders and local authorities in the area are looking at the possibility of putting more freight back on to the canals. It is thought that transporting bulk materials and aggregates on the waterways would be good for the environment, roads and local heritage.

l What do you think of the idea of travelling to work via the canal? Email [email protected] with your views.

By Daniel Wainwright