Author Archives: Dave Harte

Consultation on traffic changes in Bournville

A consultation has opened on plans for a series of changes to how traffic is managed in Bournville. Changes include new modal filters.

Map showing planned changes.

Major changes to roads in the area will see cars prevented from entering or exiting Willow and Elms roads onto Raddlebarn road. Planned modal filters will allow foot traffic and cyclists through access only.

ONE-WAY ROUTES

Mary Vale road and Beaumont road will become one-way routes, with many other roads gaining cycle paths or traffic-calming measures. 

There are two modal filters in place already on Franklin road and Oak Tree lane. The new plans will see an additional filter on Oak Tree Lane. 

CYCLE LANES

A proposed segregated cycle lane will be added to Heath road and Bournville Lane will have a shared use cycle lane.

HAVE YOUR SAY

The consultation is open until July 2nd. Give your views here on the Birmingham Be Heard website.  There are also a series of consultation events planned. 

CHANGES

The range of planned changes are:

Modal filter – A bollard (or planter) that stops vehicles driving all the way along a street whilst retaining full access for pedestrians and cyclists.

One-way streets – Streets that only allow traffic in one direction, access for critical amenities, such as shops and schools is maintained.

Segregated cycle track – These cycle routes allocate a section of the carriageway/ footway for cycle use only. Some physical separation is often used to stop motor vehicles from entering the space.

On street cycle route – A section of street suitable for cyclists to mix with general traffic, due to low vehicle speed and volume.

Shared use path – A shared path is designed for all types of users including pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists. Shared paths may be identified by signs showing a white bicycle and pedestrians on a blue background.

Signalised crossing – Crossings that are controlled by traffic signals for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, often used where vehicle speeds are high or where there is a high number of pedestrians and cyclists.

Raised zebra/parallel crossing – Raised zebra crossings combine traffic calming measures with pedestrian crossings, raised parallel crossings include the provision for cyclists to cross without having to dismount. These crossings encourage drivers to travel at their slowest where pedestrians and cyclists are crossing.

Kerb adjustments at junction – The corners of the kerb line at junctions are tightened, which forces vehicles to navigate the junction at a slower speed, widens the footway at the junction, and reduces the crossing distance for pedestrians.

Traffic Calming – Measures such as speed cushions, speed humps and chicanes can be introduced to keep a street open to all traffic but to discourage its use by those who don’t need to use it for local trips.