Plan to cut 40mph limits to 30mph on 25 roads

Birmingham City Council is asking residents for their views on plans to cut the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph on most of the city's roads that currently have the higher limit.

The formal consultation began on 19 November and runs until 10 December. It follows an earlier, informal round of engagement.

25 roads

Under the proposals, 25 roads in the city with a 40mph limit would have their limit reduced to 30mph. The council says the aim is to reduce speeds, improve road safety and encourage people to walk and cycle.

A road safety emergency

Earlier this year, the city council and its partners declared a road safety emergency in Birmingham, and the council committed to reducing speed limits across the city.

Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "We need to prioritise people and ensure communities are safer. Key to tackling road harm is delivering a significant reduction in the speed and volume of vehicles on our roads, reinforced with strategic enforcement activities, particularly on higher volume roads."

"We know that residents are deeply concerned about road safety, especially those who live near busy main roads, so reducing the speed on our roads is an obvious and important part of our wider plans for how people and goods move around the city."

"I'd encourage as many people as possible to let us know their thoughts and take part in this important consultation."

Why speed matters

The link between speed and the severity of crashes is well established. The faster a vehicle is travelling, the longer it takes to stop, and the more likely it is that someone hit by it will be killed or seriously injured. Campaigners argue that 40mph limits are too high on roads lined with homes, shops and schools, where people cross on foot.

Birmingham has a long history of trying to bring speeds down. In 2016, 20mph limits came into force on residential roads across large parts of the city, and average speed cameras were switched on along some of its most dangerous routes, including the Bristol Road, Hagley Road and Coventry Road.

A wider plan

The proposals form part of the Birmingham Transport Plan, which aims to reduce the city's reliance on cars and make walking, cycling and public transport the natural choice for more journeys. The council has also introduced school streets schemes, cycle routes and a Clean Air Zone in the city centre.

Some motorists and business groups are likely to object, arguing that lower limits will slow journeys on important routes. The council says the changes are about saving lives, and that the effect on journey times on most roads would be small.

The results of the consultation will be considered before any final decision is made. If the changes go ahead, new signs will be put up on the affected roads, and the police will be able to enforce the new limits.