Set-backs to traditional approaches to urban road-building in South Birmingham have made it the crucible of city-wide transport policy. The Birmingham Integrated Transport Study (BITS) was commissioned following rejection of 1988 proposals for a link to the M40. In 1991 plans including widening several roads were rejected, leading to the South Birmingham Study (SBS). Using a participative style of plan-making, SBS integrates transport and urban renewal planning within the BITS framework. Within SBS, SOBETMA considered strategies for environmental traffic management taking account of bus operation and network traffic capacity. SOBETMA concluded that traffic calming is desirable, not only for residential cells but also on distributors and environmentally sensitive parts of the Strategic Highway Network (SHN), where most accidents occur. Techniques from the 'near continent' were considered in the context of main road functions and existing traffic volumes. The main technique preferred was 'two plus turns' : where the SHN passes through e.g. a shopping centre, existing 'almost four' lane roads would be reduced to one clear lane each way, with additional space for bus priority and turning only at main intersections. The space 'reclaimed' is allocated to e.g. pavement, landscaping, bus boarding, parking and loading. The study assessed impacts on roads of all classes (local, distributor, SHN), and concluded that approximately the present traffic volumes could be carried consistently with sensitive environmental management of the network as a whole. Birmingham has accepted these recommendations and is actively pursuing implementation, using bus priority money and its own funds, and seeking TSG, EC (THERMIE) and City Action Team support. (A)
Abstract