Birmingham City Council has unveiled a major road safety initiative, proposing new 20mph speed limits on seven roads surrounding a primary school in Hall Green.
The plans form the core of the Chilcote Safer Route to School scheme, aimed directly at improving safety for pupils and residents. A public consultation on the proposals launched this week and will remain open until January 9.
What the Safer Route to School Scheme Includes
The council's comprehensive package of measures targets the area around Chilcote School. The most prominent change is the introduction of mandatory 20mph speed limits on the following roads:
- Baldwins Lane (between Gracemere Crescent eastern junction and Primrose Lane).
- Barton Lodge Road (between Baldwins Lane and Scribers Lane).
- Scribers Lane (between Baldwins Lane and Barton Lodge Road).
- Hilton Avenue, Morris Field Croft, Chilcote Close and Barton Croft.
Beyond the lower speed limit, the scheme includes several physical modifications. These are bollards to prevent pavement parking, double yellow lines to restrict waiting, and speed cushions to enforce slower driving.
For pedestrians, the council plans to install refuges to aid crossing on wider roads and will put up additional school warning signs to alert motorists.
Part of a Broader Vision for Birmingham's Transport
In a letter to local residents, the authority stated this project is a direct component of Birmingham's wider transport strategy. The strategy explicitly aims to "prioritise people over cars" and meet future demands sustainably.
The scheme is funded through the Local Improvement Budget – Transportation and Highways Fund, designed to address ward-level transport issues.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, Birmingham's Cabinet Member for Transport, has been a vocal advocate for 20mph limits in residential and high-footfall areas. He has previously stated that such measures reduce collisions and save lives.
Approximately one third of the city's roads already have a 20mph limit, and the council is actively exploring where this can be expanded appropriately.
Expert Backing and Next Steps
The push for slower speeds in the city has received significant backing from road safety experts. Mat MacDonald, the West Midlands Mayor's road safety commissioner and an NHS doctor, has publicly supported more 20mph zones, citing their significant impact on reducing serious injuries and fatalities.
Following the consultation closure on January 9, the council will review all public feedback. If the decision is made to proceed, the 20mph limits will be legally implemented via a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their views on the proposals through the official Birmingham Be Heard website.
