Major Safety Overhaul for Birmingham Accident Blackspot
Birmingham City Council has unveiled radical road safety proposals for the Vauxhall and Duddeston area following 58 recorded collisions over the past three years. The authority confirms high traffic volumes and problematic pavement parking have created significant safety risks, particularly for students attending three schools located along the route.
Detailed Safety Measures Proposed
The comprehensive package of interventions aims to fundamentally reshape the area's transport environment. Key elements include:
A 20mph speed limit will be implemented on Vauxhall Road between Barrack Street and Duddeston Manor Road, directly outside the BOA Digital Academy.
A modal filter using physical features like bollards or planters will be installed on Francis Street at its junction with Duddeston Manor Road. This will prevent through traffic while maintaining access for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users.
A bus gate on Vauxhall Road between Vauxhall Grove and Duddeston Manor Road will restrict access to buses, cyclists, taxis, and emergency vehicles only.
The B4132 route, which includes Vauxhall Road, Melvina Road, and Great Francis Street, currently carries approximately 18,000 vehicles daily. This corridor witnessed 24 of the area's 58 recent collisions.
Additional Community-Focused Improvements
Beyond traffic calming, the council plans several enhancements to support alternative travel and improve pedestrian safety. A new Local Travel Point will be created outside shops on Great Francis Street, offering integrated transport options such as cycle and e-scooter hire.
A zebra crossing will be installed on Great Francis Street to provide safer access to Duddeston Train Station. Furthermore, new raised crossings designed to naturally slow vehicle speeds are planned at Barrack Street, Erskine Street, Hilden Road, Wardlow Road, and Little Hall Road.
To address the critical issue of pavement parking, where up to 41% of parked vehicles obstruct footpaths, three controlled parking zones will be established. These could incorporate residents' permit parking and explicit restrictions on pavement parking.
Broader Transport Strategy Context
This localised project forms part of Birmingham Council's wider transport plan, which advocates for fundamental changes to how people move around the city. The strategy explicitly states that private car use cannot match the capacity of mass public transport and aims to make walking, cycling, and public transport the preferred choices for most journeys.
The council emphasises the need for residents to change travel habits and reduce overall car dependency to tackle the climate emergency. A public consultation on the Vauxhall and Duddeston proposals is currently live on the Birmingham Be Heard website.
