Birmingham Council Expedites Plans to Reduce Speed Limits on 40mph Roads

The city council has unveiled plans to reduce speed limits on a majority of Birmingham’s 40mph roads. This proposed change, affecting 27 routes including sections of the ring road, was expedited following the declaration of a road safety emergency earlier in the summer. According to campaigners, a minimum of 23 individuals lost their lives on the city’s roads between June 2023 and July of the current year. This initiative aligns with a broader regional strategy for the West Midlands, aiming to decrease road fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2030 and eliminate them entirely by 2040. The public consultation commenced on Tuesday, allowing residents to provide their feedback until 10 December. Majid Mahmood, the council’s cabinet member for transport, declared a road safety emergency in July, citing the high number of serious and fatal incidents occurring on the road network. This declaration followed claims by the campaign group Better Streets for Birmingham that at least 23 individuals had died on the city’s roads between June 2023 and July of this year. Among the victims was four-year-old Mayar Yahia, who was struck by a vehicle in April while walking home with her mother on Upper Highgate Street. Mahmood stated that the council must “prioritise people” and work to make communities safer. He further added, “Key to tackling road harm is delivering a significant reduction in the speed and volume of vehicles on our roads, reinforced with strategic enforcement activities, particularly on higher volume roads.” Better Streets for Birmingham, alongside some families of victims, has been advocating for measures to enhance the safety of the city’s roads. Matthew McDonald, chairman of the campaign group, expressed his desire for leadership and “tangible change to our streets.” Last year, the city council conducted a consultation regarding the initial review of the 40mph speed limits. The authority reported that out of 1,674 respondents, 949 (56.7%) were opposed, 635 (37.9%) were in favour, and 90 remained neutral. Nevertheless, the council opted to move forward with this year’s consultation, noting that approximately a quarter of those who opposed the proposals cited concerns about insufficient enforcement. While the council has not disclosed the total cost, it stated that the scheme would be financed by surplus revenue from the city’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges, which has been specifically allocated for transport initiatives. The council indicated that the road alterations, primarily involving the modification and removal of speed limit signs, are anticipated to occur in early 2025, contingent on the approval of the necessary traffic orders. The Quinton Expressway and the A38 (M) Aston Expressway are excluded from this scheme, as they were designed as urban motorways. Mahmood urged “as many people as possible” to submit their views to the council and participate in this “important” consultation. The consultation period extends until 10 December, and individuals can participate online through the designated website. For updates, follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram.