Birmingham Council's transport boss has insisted that a divisive change to Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) plans in Kings Heath 'remains the right course of action'. Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for transport and environment, defended the revised approach amid fierce debate.
Background of the LTN Scheme
The Low Traffic Neighbourhood project in Kings Heath has been controversial for some time, with modal filters—designed to keep through-traffic off certain streets—splitting opinion. Supporters argue it reduces traffic in residential areas, making streets safer for walking and cycling and cutting air pollution. Opponents raise concerns about accessibility, business operations, and longer journey distances for some properties.
So far, modal filters have been introduced west of Kings Heath High Street, and a section of York Road has been pedestrianised. However, Labour-run Birmingham Council recently announced that proposals for the second phase needed to be 'revised', with a focus on 'deterring rather than restricting vehicular traffic movements'.
Community Reactions
The revision sparked anger among some locals. Resident Katie Day described the 'collapse' of the original scheme as 'deeply frustrating', arguing children's lives were being put at risk. Another resident, Mike Jerome, said the issue had become engulfed by a 'culture war', adding: 'To abandon [the LTN] at this stage is just crazy – it shows a lack of thought and a lack of courage.'
Cabinet members agreed to move ahead with revised proposals in March, but two Liberal Democrat councillors challenged the decision through a call-in request, referring it back to cabinet for reconsideration.
Transport Boss Defends Decision
Speaking at a meeting, Councillor Mahmood said: 'I remain confident that this is the right step forward for this project. We're very aware that this project is contentious and creates a large volume of correspondence from people with very different views.' He added that controversy 'should not in itself prevent us moving forward'.
Mahmood noted that officers had worked hard to explore every possible route forward. 'This decision does not mark the end of that effort; it acknowledges that a new first principles approach is required. I remain supportive of this approach and believe it remains the right course of action.'
Transport Committee Review
A transport committee considered the call-in earlier this month. Chair Councillor David Barker confirmed it had 'voted to refer the decision back to cabinet on several grounds', including inconsistency with other policies, lack of sufficient community consultation, controversy surrounding the scheme, and insufficient clarity.
At this week's meeting, Mahmood reiterated the council's rebuttals. The council argued the decision does not conflict with the Birmingham Transport Plan or the Road Harm Reduction Strategy, which state that removing traffic from non-classified streets reduces road harm and improves conditions for active travel. The council added that these policies 'do not prescribe that this can only be delivered through restriction of movement using modal filters'.
Community Engagement Promised
The council acknowledged the project is contentious and said the community would be 'engaged as revised designs are brought forward'. It stressed that the previous report sought approval for a revised approach, not final scheme designs. 'All projects will be subject to further approvals of business cases and further Traffic Regulation Order consultations, which will provide all the required detail.'
Councillor Barker said he believed the concerns raised by the transport committee had been addressed by a revised report from the council.
