Traffic calming measures proposed for road near Birmingham Airport amid speeding concerns
Traffic calming measures are being proposed for a Birmingham road amid speeding concerns.
The city council has plans to introduce a new scheme to tackle speeding issues in the area along and around Cranes Park Road in Sheldon, near Birmingham Airport.
The proposals include a ‘refuge island’ on Shaftsbury Road, at its junction with Cranes Park Road, to provide a safe place for people walking to stop and wait for a gap in traffic.
Other planned measures include a domed mini-roundabout and a number of pinch points, where the road is narrowed and priority is given to traffic approaching from a certain direction.
In a letter to residents, the council said: “We are currently consulting on the Cranes Park Road traffic calming scheme, which forms part of Birmingham’s broader Transport Plan.
“[The plan] seeks to meet the demands of the future by prioritising people over cars.
“This [Cranes Park Road] project is funded by the Local Improvement Budget – Transportation and Highways Fund, which seeks to address minor transport issues that are identified at a ward level.”
Residents have until January 9 to respond to the council’s public consultation on the proposals, which can be found on the Birmingham Be Heard website.
‘Fundamental changes’
The city council’s broader transport plan says “fundamental changes” are needed to the city’s transport network to tackle the climate emergency.
“Private cars will never be able to match the capacity of mass public transport for getting people to where they want to go,” the plan says.
“We need to work with our partners to secure investment and make Birmingham a place where walking, cycling and using public transport are the best and preferred modes of travel for most people.
“Even then, we must all fundamentally change our travel habits, and reduce the overall amount we travel by car.”
It continued: “Creating safe, active streets and neighbourhoods is fundamentally important for all citizens.
“Overdependence on private cars is bad for our health, the health of our families, bad for our communities and bad for business.”
