Major Safety Overhaul Planned for Birmingham Accident Hotspot
Birmingham City Council has unveiled a comprehensive package of road safety measures for the Vauxhall and Duddeston areas, identified as a significant accident hotspot near the city centre. The Labour-run authority is acting following concerning data revealing 58 road traffic collisions in the past three years.
Addressing a Dangerous Corridor
The council has highlighted the B4132 route—which includes Vauxhall Road, Melvina Road, and Great Francis Street—as a particular area of concern. This key transport corridor is used by approximately 18,000 vehicles every day. A worrying 24 of the recent collisions occurred on this single route.
The high volume of traffic presents a direct safety risk, especially for students attending the three schools located along this busy stretch. Furthermore, intense parking demand has led to what the council describes as 'widespread pavement parking,' with data showing that up to 41% of all parked vehicles obstruct the path for pedestrians and wheelchair users.
Proposed Safety Interventions
The proposed measures are designed to fundamentally alter the area's traffic dynamics and prioritise the safety of vulnerable road users. The key proposals include:
- Implementing a 20mph speed limit on Vauxhall Road between Barrack Street and Duddeston Manor Road, directly outside the BOA Digital Academy.
- Installing a bus gate on Vauxhall Road between Vauxhall Grove and Duddeston Manor Road, restricting access to buses, cyclists, taxis, and emergency vehicles only.
- Placing a modal filter, such as a bollard or planter, on Francis Street to prevent through-traffic while permitting walking, wheeling, and cycling.
- Creating a new zebra crossing on Great Francis Street to improve access to Duddeston Train Station.
- Introducing new raised crossings at five locations, including Barrack Street and Erskine Street, to physically slow vehicle speeds.
- Establishing three controlled parking zones to manage resident parking and tackle the issue of pavement parking.
- Setting up a Local Travel Point outside shops on Great Francis Street, offering integrated transport options like cycle and e-scooter hire.
Part of a Broader Vision for Birmingham's Transport
This localised project is not an isolated initiative. It forms a crucial part of Birmingham Council's wider transport plan, which calls for 'fundamental changes' to the city's network to address the climate emergency. The council's philosophy is clear: private car use cannot match the capacity of mass public transport.
The plan states a commitment to making Birmingham a place where walking, cycling, and public transport become the best and preferred modes of travel for the majority of its residents. The authority acknowledges that this will require a collective effort to fundamentally change travel habits and reduce overall car dependency.
The proposals are now subject to a public consultation, and residents are encouraged to view the full details and provide feedback on the Birmingham Be Heard website.
