Birmingham City Council has unveiled a new set of proposals designed to tackle persistent speeding problems on and around Cranes Park Road in Sheldon, close to Birmingham Airport. The plans form part of the city's wider strategy to prioritise pedestrian safety and sustainable travel.
What the Cranes Park Road scheme involves
The proposed traffic calming measures are detailed and aim to physically alter the road environment to slow vehicles down. Key features include the installation of a 'refuge island' on Shaftsbury Road at its junction with Cranes Park Road. This island is intended to provide a safe waiting point for pedestrians needing to cross.
Further interventions planned for the area are a domed mini-roundabout and several pinch points. These pinch points work by narrowing the carriageway at specific locations and giving priority to traffic coming from one direction, compelling drivers to reduce speed and pay more attention.
Funding and the bigger transport picture
In a letter to local residents, the council confirmed that this project is funded through the Local Improvement Budget – Transportation and Highways Fund. This specific fund is allocated to address minor transport issues identified at a ward level.
The council has explicitly linked the Cranes Park Road scheme to Birmingham's broader Transport Plan, a policy document that calls for "fundamental changes" to the city's network to combat the climate emergency. The core principle of the plan is to prioritise people over cars, aiming to create safer, more pleasant streets for walking and cycling.
Have your say: The public consultation
Local residents and stakeholders now have a crucial opportunity to influence the final plans. The council has launched a formal public consultation on the proposals, which will remain open for responses until Tuesday, January 9.
All details of the scheme and the platform to submit feedback can be found on the council's official engagement website, Birmingham Be Heard. The council will review all responses before making a final decision on implementing the traffic calming measures.
