Birmingham City Council has confirmed it intends to roll out 20mph speed limits across large parts of the city, a move that will affect virtually all smaller residential roads and represent a significant change for local drivers.
The authority said the gradual rollout would eventually make 20mph the standard on all local roads, with busier main routes excluded from the plans. Many of those main routes were recently reduced to 30mph.
Residential roads affected
Under the proposals, all side roads in residential areas would be cut to 20mph. However, council bosses acknowledged there remains uncertainty around some roads that pass through residential areas but are considered wider and busier.
Council plans state: "Cars will no longer dominate street life around homes and schools. A limit of 20mph will be standard on all local roads. Residential neighbourhoods and local centres will be places where people are put first."
Political opposition
The proposals have already sparked a political row in Birmingham. Opposition Reform UK claims the policy is an "anti-motorist" step too far.
Cllr Jex Parkin, Reform group leader, said: "Birmingham’s roads are already difficult enough to navigate without the council putting yet another obstacle in people’s way. This is an anti-motorist policy and Reform will oppose it. Keep 20mph where there is a genuine safety need – but scrap the idea that it should become the default across Birmingham."
Controversy across the country
The rollout of 20mph zones has proved controversial around the country. While many agree they are needed for safety reasons around schools, there are claims they have been needlessly overused.
The issue is expected to become an even bigger talking point as local authorities across the UK seek to either slow traffic down or reduce it in towns and cities.
Council bosses said 20mph limits would "continue to be implemented as part of a gradual rollout", leaving the door open for further expansion of the policy in the coming months and years.
