Birmingham City Council has defended its revised Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) plans in Kings Heath, with the transport boss insisting that the new approach 'remains the right course of action'.
Controversial Project Continues to Divide Opinion
The LTN scheme has been a source of fierce debate, with supporters advocating for reduced traffic to promote safer walking and cycling, while opponents raise concerns about accessibility and impacts on local businesses. Modal filters have already been installed west of Kings Heath High Street, and York Road has been pedestrianised.
Community Reaction to Revised Plans
When the council announced that the second phase would focus on 'deterring rather than restricting vehicular traffic movements', it sparked anger among residents. Mum Katie Day described the changes as 'deeply frustrating', while resident Mike Jerome called the abandonment of original plans 'just crazy'.
Liberal Democrat councillors challenged the March cabinet decision through a call-in, forcing the matter back for reconsideration. Transport committee chair Councillor David Barker cited concerns including insufficient community consultation and policy inconsistencies.
Council's Stance
Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for transport, told the meeting: 'I remain confident that this is the right step forward for this project.' He acknowledged that the scheme generates 'a large volume of correspondence from people with very different views'.
The council argued that the decision aligns with Birmingham Transport Plan objectives and promised that the community would be 'engaged as revised designs are brought forward'. All future proposals will require further business case approvals and Traffic Regulation Order consultations.
Councillor Barker confirmed that the transport committee's concerns had been addressed by the council's revised report.
