New congestion busting plans unveiled
Congestion-busting plans to keep the West Midlands moving while billions of pounds of new road, rail and tram schemes are built were expected to be rubber-stamped today.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) wants to launch the region’s first Regional Transport Co-ordination Centre (RTCC) to monitor transport networks 24 hours a day.
Bosses say the centre will allow them to keep transport moving during roadworks and smashes.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said the congestion management plan would address widespread dissatisfaction at the lack of information currently provided during travel disruption.
“The plan sets out how we will make best use of our new devolved powers to manage congestion, air quality and road safety and how we will build capacity on our network.
"Working with partners we will also create a RTCC to give people information in real time, so they can make informed choices about their journeys.
“My renewal plan for the West Midlands clearly set out a plan to get our transport system moving again and tackling congestion is the first step towards achieving this.”
If agreed the RTCC is expected to launch in 2019. It will provide a single view of the whole public transport and road network for organisations including Highways England and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).
This will enable them to provide passengers with travel advice in ‘real time’, and is considered crucial as the region will see more than £3.4bn ploughed into transport over the next decade.
Bosses hope the plan will encourage more people to use public transport and consider travelling outside traditional peak times.
Councillor Roger Lawrence, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This plan is a joined-up approach to tackle a regional problem and we’ll be working with Highways England, public transport operators and West Midlands Police to make it happen.
“Through the plan, we will make sure that journey planning advice is available on any routes which are affected by big construction projects such as HS2, the Metro tram extension and preparation for the Commonwealth Games, and we will make sure it is all available in one place on the Network West Midlands website.”
The scheme also includes plans for new bus lanes, as well as the introduction of intelligent traffic light technology on busy roads.
A new website where traffic and travel disruption is displayed in real time is also being considered, along with proposals to make better use of the M6 Toll during peak times and utilising drone technology to help emergency services respond to traffic accidents.
Mr Lawrence added: "The aim of this plan is safer roads, less accidents, less pollution, less congestion and healthier and happier residents and visitors.
“By 2035 there will be more than 440,000 extra people living and working in the West Midlands so we need to get this right, now."
Local businesses are also being called on to play their part in the plan, by encouraging staff to make more sustainable journeys such as cycling, walking and car sharing or even re-timing their journeys outside of peak hours.
The WMCA board were due to vote on the plans today.
