Hundreds have say on major plans to make huge changes to key Birmingham route
Hundreds of people have had their say on major plans to make huge changes to a key Birmingham route.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is currently holding a public consultation on proposed changes to a section of Hagley Road, which it says are aimed at making journeys quicker, easier and safer.
Phase One of works, covering the Five Ways roundabout to the junction of Hagley Road and Portland Road includes new bus lanes, a segregated cycle lane and improved traffic signals to improve the flow of traffic.
The consultation ends on Sunday (November 2) but has so far attracted more than 500 comments with people giving mixed views.
Many people have left positive comments welcoming the measures and saying they are long overdue while critics believe the cycle lanes will not be used widely and the changes will increase congestion.
One participant said: “I sometimes cycle on Hagley Rd from Portland Rd to city centre, but with immense trepidation (especially in low light/dark).
“I resort to cycling on the pavement in some places – so a cycle lane will be an absolute godsend.
“Also, the shops by Monument Rd will benefit from a loading bay since there are regularly stopped or even parked cars on the double yellow lines there which are never enforced. It makes turning into Monument Rd very tricky.
“Finally, if the tram gets extended to Portland Rd, I would consider using it to get into town, although the 12/13 bus service is also very good.”
Another said: “The pedestrian crossing point at the Plough and Harrow is absolutely essential, as I’ve seen kids and parents with kids literally running across 5 lanes of traffic to cross.
“At present it makes me less likely to use the Metro or the facilities within Edgbaston Village.
“The dedicated cycle lane from Portland Road to Five Ways will be a game changer. I will be much more likely to take my bike into work.
“At present it is far too dangerous to cycle along Hagley Road. The only way I’ll do it is to use the footpaths, which is unfair to pedestrians.”
But one person against the changes said: “Another scheme to cause even more congestion, to provide a, probably little used cycle lane and to waste more money on crossings that are already there.
“I cannot use public transport for work as fuels and tools are not allowed on board. Again looks like some will be discriminated against.
“Traffic is already busy and I’m not sure these proposals will help that. Making a bus lane by Five ways will create a bigger bottleneck. Public transport is not strong enough yet to phase out the car user.”
Another opposed to the project added: “These are more absurd vanity projects that will make things worse.
“I challenge any of you to stand in a bike lane with me if a morning and let’s count how many use them.”
People can view and comment on the proposals by visiting the TfWM website: https://hagleyroad.commonplace.is/en-GB/
You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live. Visit publicnoticeportal.uk.
