Birmingham Connected, previously known as the Birmingham Mobility Action Plan (BMAP), aims to make the city safer and easier to travel around by reducing congestion and promoting more sustainable forms of transport. In addition to cutting pollution and promoting healthier lifestyles, it would also better link communities and encourage economic growth.
Initiatives included in the plan include:
• The completion of a £1.2bn public transport network within 20 years, allowing people to travel across the city in high quality vehicles in safety and, at busy times, faster than they could by car. This would include creating vibrant community spaces across the city.
• Developing a strategy for the long-term future and role of the A38 through the city, including consulting on options such as substantial redesign and redirecting through traffic on to either a substantially upgraded ring road or new, longer tunnels under the city. Consultation will begin in 2015.
• The introduction of Green Travel Districts (GTDs) where people are put before cars, enabling residents, workers and visitors to walk, cycle or take public transport safely. This would reduce congestion, pollution, accidents and promote healthier, safer communities. An initial GTD will be chosen in 2015 and a detailed feasibility study carried out.
• Improving rail links across the city and beyond, including re-opening and upgrading rail routes to Moseley and Kings Heath, Sutton Coldfield via Walmley and Tamworth via The Fort and Castle Vale, supporting new housing and jobs in these areas.
• A £400m upgrade for Snow Hill Station once New Street Station re-opens fully in 2015.
• An investment package to deliver Birmingham’s local connectivity strategy for HS2, linking people across the city to it as well as improving links across the wider Midlands region and promoting Birmingham as a place to do to business.
• Promoting a Low Emissions Zone in the city centre to improve air quality and help Birmingham City Council meet carbon reduction targets, leading to a healthier city.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: ‘I am delighted to be launching this new white paper which is vital for Birmingham to continue to grow and prosper. The government has put transport at the heart of its long term economic plan, because the future of successful cities depends on efficient transport that can connect people with jobs, link communities with services and attract new investment.
‘The record levels of investment we are putting into our transport network – including HS2 and the £15bn roads programme announced by the Prime Minister on Monday – will improve roads, stations and railways right across the country.’
