Hazelwell St / Bournville Lane pedestrian junction

A pedestrian refuge at a road junction, with pavement markings indicating that it is to be moved
Photo by Phil Banting

A few people have noticed the spray-painted markings on Hazelwell Street, near the much lauded traffic island with Bournville Lane. There has been some rumours that it might be removed, but local resident Scott Cooper has asked the council and this was the response…

“The marked traffic island is in line with the existing junction layout of Bournville Lane with Hazelwell Street and is not negating in any way the in place temporary active travel trial changes in Hazelwell Street.

“It is evident from the picture that marked pedestrian island is about 1.5m short of the in place temporary measures in Hazelwell Street. However, in future, if required, the traffic island may be extended further into Hazelwell Street in line with the temporary lane reduction measures, if required to make the in place temporary measures permanent.

“To make the in place measure permanent consultation with local residents, businesses, ward councillors, emergency service and other stakeholders would be required. This process of consultation and subsequent approvals, may take about 6 months. However due to ongoing issue of articulated vehicles pulling into Bournville Lane from Hazelwell Street and damaging parked cars, it was not feasible to stop the implementation of this highway improvement scheme for the prospective scheme to make the in place temporary measures permanent.

“Following successful consultation and approval by Highways, the traffic island in Bournville Lane may be extended along with other required changes in Hazelwell Street.”

Lifford Lane closed for a month

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Lifford Lane, between Pershore Road and Melchett Road is closed between the 24 February – 24th March, as National Rail work on some structural things on the bridge. I’m told there’s access for pedestrians and cyclists, but not motor vehicles. And I’ve witnessed a few have to turn round and come back so that’s definitely the case!

Temporary trial measures for Stirchley

Have you spotted the changes on Stirchley High Street yet?

I was really excited to see that finally we’re getting a pedestrian refuge on Bournville Lane. Along with the work the councillor and local residents have been doing with Mondelez to reduce the numbers of lorries travelling down the road (and getting stuck at the bridge), the new layout will make it far more friendly for people crossing from the main high street area to Stirchley Baths or the new Morrisons.

I’m particularly pleased because I got to do the walk around and help add to some suggestions before they went to the drawing board. I’m also championing parklets on the high street because they will add more seating, more greenery and outside seating that can be used by the community – or for some of the businesses on the high street that need places to have people wait before their appointment or even enjoy a bite to eat at.

Some of the other changes might seem a bit controversial but they’re really not – they’re a positive move in making Stirchley greener, cleaner and a better place to live.  I wrote a very long blog post on my other website to explain more about the changes and why they are positive. In short these are;

  • Birmingham City Council reports 25% of all car journeys are less than a mile
  • Retailers overestimate the number of people who use cars to get to their businesses
  • Suggestions up to 30 percent of driving is people looking for parking
  • Access to green spaces makes people happy

Birmingham City Council are actively consulting on these throughout the measures being in place and you can add your thoughts on a special emergency transport plan consultation website here.