birmingham city centre travel news

Tram and lorry crash causes rush hour chaos in Birmingham's Broad Street

• Wednesday 7 February 2024 at 12:39pm

A crash between a tram and lorry has caused rush hour travel chaos in Birmingham city centre.

Cars, buses and trams came to a standstill on Birmingham's Broad Street on Wednesday morning while emergency services attended the scene.

The lorry was on the Metro track line and was pictured scraped against the side of the tram. It happened at the junction with Gas Street just after 9am.

Traffic was disrupted on Broad Street with queues backing up to Five Ways island, but the road has since reopened.

Services on the metro between Centenary Square and Edgbaston were also temporarily suspended.

A spokesman for West Midlands Metro said: “Due to a collision between a lorry and a tram in Broad Street at around 9.35 am this morning, services were temporarily halted between the Library stop and Edgbaston.

“No injuries were reported, and an investigation is underway into the cause of the incident. Trams are now operating as normal, and customers are advised to check tram stop information points and our social media channels for any further travel information.”

ITV News Central has approached West Midlands Police and British Transport Police for a comment.

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Birmingham to become a super-sized low-traffic neighbourhood

Council plans to divert car traffic from city via a ring road while providing more buses and cycle lines

Birmingham has announced what it calls a “transformative” transport plan that will see the car-centric city becoming a super-sized low-traffic neighbourhood.

City officials hope that closing roads to through motor traffic, introducing a fleet of zero-emission cross-city buses and building additional protected cycleways will create a more liveable city.

With HS2 infrastructure rising from the ground and Birmingham hosting the Commonwealth Games next year , the Labour-controlled council believes removing through car journeys will be essential for the city to prosper.

“We’re one of the original motor cities ,” said Birmingham city council’s transport lead, Waseem Zaffar. But like other UK cities, Birmingham suffers from an excess of single occupancy car journeys, he added.

Twenty-five per cent of the city’s car journeys are one mile or shorter, Zaffar said. To convert people to cleaner and healthier forms of transport, the city, including the central area, will be split into seven zones, and rather than driving directly between zones, motorists will be diverted via the A4540 ring road.

Birmingham’s transport plan also states that the “allocation of road space will change away from prioritising private cars to support the delivery of public transport and active travel networks fit for a global city”.

Birmingham will pedestrianise further parts of the city centre and reduce the availability of car parking through the removal of spaces, steeply increased pricing and clamping down on footway parking.

The second largest city in the UK has a population of 1.2 million and an additional 150,000 residents are forecast to arrive within 20 years.

The council believes the city must act now to respond to this predicted expansion and tackle the climate emergency . The council also wants to combat poor health, reduce costly congestion and attract more inward investment.

“Active travel will become the mode of choice for short trips,” promises the plan, which councillors are expected to vote through at a meeting on 12 October.

Businesses and citizens commented on an earlier draft of the transport plan , released in 2020. The final report is just as radical as the original, said Zaffar.

“The key principles are the same,” he said. “People want these changes”.

Most businesses supported the proposed workplace parking levy, and residents strongly welcomed the promise of more protected cycleways.

“Introducing the blue cycling lanes was probably the most popular thing the council has done in a long time,” said Zaffar, who is the Labour councillor for Lozells, one of the city’s most deprived areas.

A type 2 diabetic and former petrolhead, Zaffar is a convert to active travel. “You couldn’t get me out of my car four years ago,” he said. “I would take journeys of less than one mile by car; I hadn’t been on a bus since my university days, and I had never cycled until the summer of 2018”.

Now he cycles, uses the city’s Voi e-scooters , and plans to become a regular bus user. “I should also walk more,” he said.

Before he became a politician, Zaffar was a trade union representative for Birmingham’s taxi drivers, but he now recognises the health downsides of driving for a living.

“I often talk to [the city’s taxi drivers] about the impact of sitting behind the wheel for long hours and the damage that pollution has on health. This [plan] is about reversing their health inequalities too”.

For Zaffar, the transport plan is personal. “My father was a taxi driver in Birmingham – in 2009, he suddenly died at the age of 54. Every day I think about the consequences of his job behind the wheel of a car and how that ultimately led to his untimely demise.”

Zaffar expects that when building work starts on creating the zones, there will be stiff opposition from some motorists, and he is steeling himself for abuse and threats.

But, he said: “I didn’t come into politics to win popularity contests; I came into politics to change lives for the better.

“I’m the proudest Brummie there is, and this is where my kids will grow up. For the future [the council] has to take some radical, bold and brave steps – the transport plan is one of them.”

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Birmingham connected update - transport and travel news - december 2021.

Christmas in the city

December Travel

The festive period has arrived! Public transport is likely to start running to amended timetables until the new year so make sure you check these before you travel. Engineering work is also more likely to take place in the Christmas and New Year period as fewer people will be travelling. Read more on National Rail and National Express West Midlands  websites.

If you're travelling to one of the many Christmas city centre attractions such as:

• Frankfurt Christmas market
• Centenary Square ice rink and big wheel
• Christmas at Cathedral Square
• City social in the underpass by the mailbox

This is best done by walking, cycling or public transport (don't forget the park and ride services ). We continue to advise that you plan ahead and use Transport for West Midland's journey planner .

If you do travel to the city centre by private car make sure you check to see if your vehicle will be charged in the Clean Air Zone.

COVID-19 UPDATE

In response to the Omicron variant the government have also provided new rules in England. It is now vital you wear a face covering on public transport. Read more on the Government website.

Public Transport

West midlands rail programme.

The West Midlands Rail Programme is transforming the region’s rail network. Transport for W est Midlands and the West Midlands Rail Executive are working with partners to redevelop existing stations and build new ones.

• The £30.9million redevelopment of Perry Barr station reached new heights with the installation of the roof.
• The canal bridge has recently been installed at University station , which will connect the new station to the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus.

Sign up to the West Midlands Rail Programme newsletter to stay up-to-date with all the latest progress.

Metro services suspended

There are currently no metro services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham in both directions. Ticket acceptance is in place on bus services 74/79 and local rail services. For shorter journeys, please consider walking or cycling. Visit Transport for West Midlands for more information.

Current works

The Eastside of Birmingham City Centre is being transformed to improve housing, office and leisure space. Therefore, we are working hard to make it one of the most connected parts of the city. Before this can happen, there is a lot of work to be done which may cause disruption to your journey.

Digbeth High Street is particularly busy due to the Digbeth public realm project. Midland Metro Alliance publish a regular newsletter on the progress of the Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension which can be found on the Metro Alliance website .

Always plan ahead and leave more time for your journey. For short trips see if you can walk, cycle or scooter. Read more on the Transport for West Midlands website.

Walking and cycling

West midlands cycle hire ebikes.

eBikes have launched with West Midlands Cycle Hire this month! Hire a bike for your next trip and enjoy the ride without the hassle. Read more and download the app.

Winter Wheelers

Want to win a brand-new bike on Christmas Day? Winter Wheelers is all about getting people on bikes and pedalling their way to prizes. Every day you log a ride, you're entered into the prize draw.

If you're nervous about facing the elements on your bike, Love to Ride has loads of tips, articles and quick courses to help you stay warm and safe no matter what the weather. Register for free.

Walking and Cycling Commissioner

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street has appointed Adam Tranter, who has previously volunteered as Bicycle mayor for Coventry, as the new Cycling and Walking Commissioner. He will support the planning and delivery of the region’s Starley Network of safe cycling and walking routes and accelerate plans to get more people moving around the region by foot or bike. Read the full story .

Business travel

Tfwm's moment of change.

Transport for West Midlands are continuing their Moment of Change campaign throughout December.

It takes six minutes to cycle a mile or 20 minutes to walk. Could you ditch the car for shorter journeys or add cycling or walking to your commute - if not for all, then for the first or final mile! Learn more about travelling in our region.

Park that Bike

Park that Bike is a Transport for West Midlands scheme that sends businesses and organisations bike racks FREE of charge. This improves security and encourages staff to cycle to work. Applications are now open.

Modeshift STARS

Register for FREE with Modeshift STARS to take action and be rewarded for promoting greener, healthier travel options. This will enable your workplace to create a Travel Plan and gain national standard accreditation.

West Midlands Railway

West Midlands Railway have launched a free-to-use platform for workplaces - it makes booking and managing business rail travel quick and easy. Visit the West Midlands Railway website for more information .

National Express West Midlands

National Express West Midlands are keen to ensure employees can easily access discounted bus travel across the region. Their Travel Pass Portals for workplaces are bespoke to your company, built and managed free of charge by National Express. For more information contact [email protected]

• Commonwealth Games

Key walking routes are being improved ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The scheme covers seven projects that will enable spectators and visitors to move around the city with greater ease and safety – and the work will in turn offer a legacy to residents and future visitors in the years after the Games.

The projects, which connect rail and bus transport hubs and event venues, are designed around three topics: illuminating routes, wider footways and safer pedestrian environments. Read the full story on the council website.

Have Your Say

Lozells Places for People - Places for People in Lozells aims to reduce traffic in residential neighbourhoods so that it is safer for people to walk and cycle, and nicer to be outside for children to play and neighbours to chat. This consultation is on the next phase of Places for People in Lozells where permanent and new measures will be added. Consultation closes on 17 December 2021.

Electric Vehicle charging point survey - This survey aims to understand the electric vehicle charging needs of those living in areas who have limited or no off-street parking. Consultation is ongoing.

Dates for the diary

23 December - Frankfurt Christmas Market closes.

9 January -  Ice Rink Birmingham closes.

Article posted on 8 December 2021

This entry was posted by Vikki Rainbow on 08/12/2021.

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Current traffic around Birmingham

The following traffic incidents and congestion for Birmingham have been reported by Highways England, Traffic Scotland, Traffic Wales or Transport for London (TfL) in the last two hours:

Traffic in Nearby Villages

• Lee Bank (0.45mi)
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• Newtown (0.94mi)
• Ladywood (0.98mi)
• Netchells Green (0.99mi)
• Vauxhall (0.99mi)
• Bordesley (1.01mi)
• Highgate (1.02mi)
• Gib Heath (1.28mi)
• Lozells (1.54mi)
• Rotton Park (1.56mi)
• Saltley (1.59mi)
• Balsall Heath (1.62mi)
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Great Birmingham Run 2024 times, parking, route map and how to get there

Around 12,500 runners will be pounding the city centre streets this weekend

• 15:30, 30 APR 2024

From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve

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The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run is back for 2024. Runners of all ages and abilities will hit the city centre streets on Sunday, May 5 for a fun-filled day of fitness and fundraising.

The sell-out event will see around 12,500 people tackle either a 10k run and a half marathon . It will follow the same route as last year, with runners starting in Centenary Square and passing landmarks like the Library of Birmingham, Grand Central and the Mailbox as they make their way down Broad Street , through St Paul's Square and into the Jewellery Quarter before reaching the Smithfield finish line.

Those doing the half marathon will also venture into beautiful Bournville, Cannon Hill Park and Edgbaston Stadium. Organisers are promising a party atmosphere on the start in Centenary Square. And the new and improved post-run party village at the Smithfield finish-line near Bullring will be alive with music afterwards.

Read more: Great Birmingham Run 2023 photos of thousands enjoying the sunshine in Brum

R ead next: The four-step body cleansing 'ritual' you should be doing in the bath to look 'noticeably younger'

More than £10 million has been raised for charities since 2017 and runners have been choosing to support dozens of fantastic charities, including British Heart Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Great Run ambassador, Eilish McColgan said: “After winning Gold in the 10,000m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the city holds a special place in my heart, and in my career. When participating in the Commonwealth Games, the atmosphere in Birmingham was electric, something I know you will all experience on Sunday, 5 May, 2024."

Great Run Timetable

Runners are assigned a colour to stagger the start times. There are Orange, Green and Pink waves. Here's the timetable for the day:

8am The Information Point opens in Centenary Square

8.30am The start assembly area opens

9.20am Orange and Green wave warm-ups begin

9.30am Orange Wave starts (for half marathon and 10k runners)

9.50am: Green Wave starts (for half marathon and 10k runners)

10.03am Pink Wave warm-ups begin

10.10am Pink Wave starts (for half marathon and 10k runners)

3pm Event site and Information Point closes

Great Birmingham Run Route Map

Here's a guide to the Great Birmingham Run Route Map:

Where to park for the Great Birmingham Run

People are advised to use public transport as much as possible and to leave plenty of time to get to the start line.

There is no official event day parking and most of the car parks near to the start and finish line will be affected by road closures.

Anyone wishing to drive is advised to park at Bullring, which is around a five minute walk from the finish line and a 20 minute walk from the start line. Remember to check whether you need to pay the Clean Air Zone charge as this area is within that zone.

How to get to the Great Birmingham Run by public transport

Transport for West Midlands says there will be bus diversions in place. Keep checking the TfWM disruptions page for specific routes affected.

No metro service will be operating on May 4 or 5 between Black Lake and Edgbaston Village due to tram works. And, for those looking to arrive by train, engineering work will be taking place on the rail line between Coventry and Birmingham New Street on May 5. Check with your train operator to see how your service is affected. Some services will be replaced by buses on this route.

Advice for runners

People have been training for months for the run. You'll find lots of last minute tips on the Great Run website . There's advice on everything from training schedules and motivation to nutrition and footwear.

You'll even discover the best breathing techniques for running and what to do before, during and afterwards. There are even suggestions to help you compile your perfect running playlist. Find all the latest details here

The AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run

Kids can take part in the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run which sees the smallest Brummie runners (aged 3-8) take on a 1.5km dash, while Junior runners (aged 9-15) tackle a supercharged 2.5km sprint.

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