Major UK city could BAN cars as radical plans redesigns roads to ‘give priority to people rather than private vehicles’
BIRMINGHAM could become the first major city in the UK to ban private cars – as it attempts to prioritise people.
The “bold” new road safety strategy is being considered as a way to cut the number of collisions leading to deaths and serious injuries.
The draft document suggests that drivers could be prohibited from taking trips through Birmingham city centre..
Vehicles would still be able to drive into the city, but would have to go back out using the surrounding ring road to access other areas.
Under the plans, roads throughout the city would also be redesigned to make them “more hospitable to people” whilst also discouraging the use of private vehicles.
The council are also considering introducing a 20mph speed limit in residential streets, rerouting the A38 and using the city’s tunnels for public transport only.
Logistics and service vehicles would still be given permanent access to the city centre.
Thereby reducing the number of casualties on the streets of Birmingham – as the roads would be “giving priority to people rather than private vehicles.”
The strategy has been welcomed “with open arms” by road safety campaigners who have expressed their hope that it will help create a “safer, healthier and happier city.”
Mat MacDonald and Martin Price, who chair the campaign group Better Streets for Birmingham, said: “We welcome this bold new road safety strategy with open arms.
“At its heart is the crucial target of Vision Zero, meaning no-one should be killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions.
“Having engaged with communities across Birmingham, we know this focus will be welcomed, as too many lives have been lost and futures ruined in avoidable tragedies on our roads.
“The strategy prioritises people, with fewer vehicles, more welcoming streets and greater opportunities to travel amongst them by foot, bike or bus.
“This will create a safer, healthier and happier city, and we will do everything we can to help the council match their vision with delivery to make it happen.”
While Coun Liz Clements, the city’s transport boss, said: “We need to reclaim Birmingham’s streets and public spaces for people, not cars.
“The majority of travel time in the city is spent in these spaces, yet many of our local streets are congested, unhealthy and uninviting environments.
“For too long the needs of motorised vehicles have been prioritised over the needs of people and this must change.
“Our streets should be well-designed, attractive and sustainable places to live.
“We have been doing a lot of work to change priorities and make roads and public spaces safer for communities and this strategy continues that work.
“I invite all road users to respond to our consultation on this important document.”
Consultation on the radical initiative is open now, and will be running until April 5.