Plan to 'ban cars' from Birmingham city centre
Radical plans to ‘close the tunnels’ and ‘prevent cars entering Birmingham city centre’ are being mooted by council bosses, it has been revealed.
The proposals have prompted criticism of the Labour run-city council which has been accused of conducting an ‘ongoing war on motorisits’ by the opposition Conservative group.
The ideas are allegedly part of the Birmingham Transport Plan which sets out the council’s ‘long-term vision for the future of transport in our city’.
The document, which has yet to be published, will go before cabinet bosses on November 26 prompting a full public consultation.
The authority has not denied the schemes and confirmed the intention is to prioritise public transport, walking and cycling by ‘reducing the over-reliance on private car use’ in the midst of the ‘public health crisis’ around Birmingham’s poor air quality.
Councillor Rob Alden, leader of the Birmingham Conservative group, was scathing of the proposals.
He said: “The ongoing war on motorists by this Labour administration is continuing to punish hard-working residents and businesses in Birmingham, with plans designed to make it more difficult and more expensive for people to use their cars, rather than focusing on making it easier and cheaper to actually use public transport.
“We know we need to improve air quality in this city but the way to do that is by delivering world class public transport including park and rides, investing in green infrastructure and supporting the switch to electric vehicles, not by stopping people going about their daily lives.”
Cllr Alden also highlighted the fact the council was forcing through controversial decisions for the Clean Air Zone, the demolition of the Perry Barr flyover and the recently announced workplace parking levy. Papers for the latter move have revealed the council also considered ‘Road User Charging’ – effectively a congestion zone – instead.
In response a council spokesman said: “The Birmingham Transport Plan is currently being finalised and is due to go before cabinet in November, ahead of a full public consultation.
“This plan will set out the council’s long-term vision for the future of transport in our city, focusing on the movement of people rather than vehicles."