Bus Priority Measures

We asked

For views on the consultation proposal:

A new bus lane on Smallbrook Queensway (starting just before Dudley Street and ending on the approach to Holloway Circus).

There are currently two lanes for general traffic. These will become one bus (and bicycle/taxis) lane and one lane for general traffic. The loading/taxis space opposite the Simply Local shop will be removed. The space for motorcycle parking will reduced in size and secure fixings will be added.

You said

Of the 93 respondents who expressed an opinion as to whether the proposed Smallbrook Queensway bus lane scheme should be implemented, 62% of respondents were in favour of the scheme. There were 35 respondents who stated that they really liked the scheme and 23 more were positive about the scheme. Only 18 stated a real dislike and eight more gave a negative view.

• I support this measure as it reallocates road space to cyclists and bus users.
• As a motorcyclist I currently have access to bus lanes, this is a privilege I do not abuse but can often mean a safer and quicker route through traffic. If motorcycles cannot use the new bus lane will add to congestion and could be more dangerous.
• Buses should be given greater priority over other transport (including taxis) in order to improve bus reliability and journey times and decrease congestion.

We did

The scheme will be implemented in 2021, with motorcycles allowed to use the bus lanes in line with the City Council’s policy and three motorcycle stands and one ground anchor.

It has not been possible to redesign the existing island at Smallbrook Queensway to improve buses passing buses parked in the first stop after leaving the tunnel. A Swept Path analysis was carried out and the area is too constrained to be able to widen the lanes without taking any of the heavily used pavement.

We asked

For views on the consultation proposal:

A bus gate will prevent general traffic accessing Upper Dean Street and Moat Lane from Pershore Street. Short bus lanes on Pershore Street will allow only buses, taxis and bicycles to turn into Upper Dean Street.

You said

Of the 90 respondents who expressed an opinion as to whether the proposed Upper Dean Street bus lane scheme should be implemented, 59% of respondents were in favour of the scheme. There were 32 respondents who stated that they really liked the scheme and 21 more were positive about the scheme. Only 17 stated a real dislike and six more gave a negative view.

• We support the scheme as it will eliminate through traffic and help speed bus journey times.
• The proposed scheme will add more congestion as traffic re-routes.
• There are often delays on this section, with traffic going into Upper Dean Street unable to cope because it is blocked at the other end.

We did

The scheme will be implemented in 2021. Advanced signage is included in the detailed design to increase driver awareness of how to navigate to key destinations in Digbeth and the city centre.

We asked

For views on the consultation proposals:

Option A:

Keep four narrow lanes, changing to three outbound (towards Bordesley Circus roundabout) and one inbound (away from Bordesley Circus).
The inbound lane would be for general traffic. The two left hand outbound lanes would be for general traffic, the right-hand lane for buses, taxis and bicycles only.

This option has the advantage of keeping two outbound lanes for general traffic. Having the bus lane on the right side makes it easier for buses to turn right at Bordesley Circus.

Option B:

Keep four narrow lanes, changing to three outbound (towards Bordesley Circus roundabout) and one inbound (away from Bordesley Circus).
The inbound lane would be for general traffic. The left-hand outbound lane would be buses taxis and bicycles only, the two right hand lanes for general traffic.

This option has the advantage of keeping two outbound lanes for general traffic. Having the bus lane on the left side means it is easier for cyclists to use and would allow the possibility of keeping the bus stops under the railway bridge.

Option C:

Create three wider lanes (about 3.65m wide), two outbound (towards Bordesley Circus roundabout) and one inbound (away from Bordesley Circus).
The inbound lane would be for general traffic. The left-hand outbound lanes would be for general traffic, the right-hand lane for buses, taxis and bicycles only.

This option has the advantage of widening what are currently narrow lanes (particularly helpful for cyclists). Having the bus lane on the right side makes it easier for buses to turn right at Bordesley Circus.

Option D:

Create three wider lanes (about 3.65m wide), two outbound (towards Bordesley Circus roundabout) and one inbound (away from Bordesley Circus).
The inbound lane would be for general traffic. The left-hand outbound lanes would be for buses, taxis and bicycles only, the right-hand lane for general traffic.

This option has the advantage of widening what are currently narrow lanes (particularly helpful for cyclists). Having the bus lane on the left side means it is easier for cyclists to use and would allow the possibility of keeping the bus stops under the railway bridge.

You said

Option A, B and C were the least favoured options for Coventry Road. The table below compares the questionnaire responses. Option D is the preferred option with 33 respondents giving favourable responses. Option A is the least favourable option, with 39 respondents giving unfavourable responses.

• Support reduction of 4 narrow lanes to 3 lanes.
• I would propose having two lanes for buses and taxies and one lane converted into two bicycle lanes.
• I think wider lanes are much better for cyclists - I would like to cycle in Birmingham but am too scared to because of the driving behaviour of motorists, so this would help.
• Do not make this journey but all options fail to consider the use of motorcycles. If I cannot use my motorcycle, then I will be forced to use my car. I choose to use a motorbike to ease congestion.

We did

Scheme option D be implemented in 2021.

• Cycle provision is maintained along Coventry Road as this is a key section connecting different cycle routes together.
• The bus stops on both sides of Coventry Road are being retained at Bordesley Station, due to the distance between this and the next bus stop serving the X1 and X2 services.
• As a consequence of retaining the inbound bus stop inbound and after a swept path analysis, the inbound lane is being widened to 5.1m to allow vehicles to be able to overtake a stationary bus.
• The bus lane is being extended back towards Digbeth to allow buses to navigate the junction without being stuck behind queueing traffic, to allow uninterrupted bus journeys.

We asked

For views on the consultation proposal:

A new bus gate on Digbeth High Street (B4100) on the approach to the right turn into Rea Street (in the direction of Bordesley).

The right turn lane from Digbeth High Street to Rea Street will become a bus (and bicycle/taxi) lane. General traffic will no longer be able to turn right here. All traffic will still be able to turn left from Digbeth High Street into Rea Street.

You said

Of the 158 respondents who expressed an opinion as to whether the proposed Rea Street bus lane scheme should be implemented, 53% of respondents were in favour of the scheme. There were 56 respondents who stated that they really liked the scheme and 28 more were positive about the scheme. Only 37 stated a real dislike and nine more gave a negative view.

• Bus gates are a good way of improving bus priority.
• I think it would make traffic flow easier and prevent hold ups around the coach station.
• It will help to reduce journey times and reduce congestion and pollution.

We did

The scheme will be implemented in 2021. Advanced signage is included in the detailed design to increase driver awareness of how to navigate to key destinations in Digbeth and the city centre.

We asked

For views on the consultation proposal:

A new outbound bus lane along Sherlock Street (between Gooch Street and Belgrave Middleway) and a shared footway/cycleway on Sherlock Street in the direction of Digbeth.

You said

Of the 153 respondents who expressed an opinion as to whether the proposed Sherlock Street bus lane scheme should be implemented, 56% of respondents were in favour of the scheme. There were 41 respondents who stated that they really liked the scheme and 44 more were positive about the scheme. Only 33 stated a real dislike and 18 more gave a negative view.

• Any measures to make cycling safer, and prioritise buses, are welcome.
• I totally support the introduction of a bus lane however taking space away from cyclists to accommodate cars seems like the wrong decision.
• I think this would improve the bus services on this route.

We did

Following feedback received from the proposals, the scheme was redesigned to include the below revisions:

• A bus gate on Sherlock Street, located just after the junction with Gooch Street (in the direction of Belgrave Middleway). The bus gate will restrict traffic in the outbound direction to buses, cycles and Hackney Carriages (black cabs).
• Widening the footpath between Hope Street and Mowbray Street. This is to improve pedestrian access to the bus stop.
• Upgrading the crossing on Sherlock Street (close to Hope Street) to a parallel crossing for use by pedestrians and cyclists. This is to improve connectivity for cyclists travelling between National Cycle Route 5 on Gooch Street and the A38.

A further consultation was carried out on this revised design.