New transport blueprint to meet climate change challenge and tackle traffic congestion

A wide-ranging blueprint that will guide the development of transport while meeting the challenges of the climate emergency, inequality, traffic congestion and the cost-of-living pressures is to be presented to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board on Friday, 10 February.

The Local Transport Plan Core Strategy – called Reimaging Transport in the West Midlands - has been drawn up following two years of development and consultation.

This is the latest stage in the development of the region’s fifth Local Transport Plan which will set the framework for local governance of and investment in our transport networks up to at least 2041.

It sets out the aim of providing safe, convenient and affordable transport services and infrastructure so that local amenities are within a 15-minute trip by walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting, and regional facilities and workplaces within 45 minutes journey by public or shared transport.

While cars will remain an important option for how we travel, a key aim is to design a transport system where private car ownership is not needed in order for people to thrive or enjoy full access to what the region has to offer. The Plan states that only by reducing car mileage will the region meet its #WM2041 climate change target to achieve net-zero carbon within two decades as well as the plan’s wider aims to deliver Inclusive Growth.

Emerging technology and innovations will also play a part, such as the on-demand bus services being trialled in Coventry where buses are freed from set routes and timetables and can be booked by people over the phone or through an app. Smart travel apps are also a key part of the plan – coordinating transport options and finding the lowest fares - as will shared transport such as hire bikes and e-scooters.

Digital connectivity will also help us access what we need with less need to travel – such as through a rise in home working or increase in online appointments.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the WMCA, is investing more than £1 billion in dozens of transport infrastructure projects over five years through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS). These range from larger projects like extensions to the West Midlands Metro network, to smaller schemes such as town centre cycle and walking routes.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “With our £1.3 billion investment programme already well under way – resulting in unprecedented funding for our tram, rail, bus and cycling networks – there’s even more good news to come.

“This plan sets out how we’re designing neighbourhoods and communities fit for the future – reducing car reliance and making it easier than ever to make more sustainable local journeys.

“Whether it’s 5G, connected vehicles or on demand transport, we’re harnessing new technology and the power of innovation to transform the travel experience for residents right across our region – at the same time as creating jobs and tackling the climate emergency.”

Cllr Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio lead for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, added: “We are facing a climate emergency and a key factor here in the West Midlands is our reliance on private car journeys – the majority of which are under two miles.

“This plan demonstrates that we cannot go on as we have – doing nothing risks increasing traffic congestion, more pollution and higher costs. It undermines our productivity and ability to attract investment.

“It sets out that while we can design safe, convenient and affordable transport services, we also need people to play their part by changing their behaviour and considering whether they do need to make those car journeys.”

The WMCA Board will launch a further round of public engagement on key themes of the plan called the six Big Moves:

• Behaviour change
• Accessible and inclusive places
• Safe, efficient and reliable network
• Walk, wheel, cycle and scoot
• Public transport and shared mobility
• Green transport revolution