Petition to remove the bus/cycle lane from:

The right hand lane of the dual carriageway between numbers 1 to 51 Birchfield Rd, Aston, Birmingham, B19 1SU on approach to the Six Ways - Aston roundabout.

The recent addition of a Bus/Cycle lane on the outside (right hand) lane approaching the Six Ways island between the shops starting from 1 to 51 Birchfield Road has resulted in significant traffic congestion and chaos, due to vehicles stopping at the beginning of the bus lane to merge from two lane traffic, to one lane.

This has resulted in the following issues:

 

1-   forcing motorists to sit in one lane when a short stretch of road is designated a bus lane which is empty most of the time.  This is a busy stretch especially at peak times and reducing the lanes will cause more travel chaos

2-   customers of the retailers in the left-hand parking bay will find it more difficult to park and use the facilities and services

3-   instances of road rage have become common when motorists are blocked by delivery vehicles in the second lane and they are forced to use the bus lane, therefore resulting in them receiving a penalty

4-   it has become very difficult for delivery vehicles for the retailers to park to make their deliveries

5-   there will be a decline in the number of people using the businesses on this stretch, which may cause closures and redundancies

6-   all the businesses and their customers on this block are highly opposed to what the council have done

7-   residents and many others who use this dual carriageway are also annoyed and frustrated at the new bus lane and layout

8-   the idling traffic will result in increased emissions due to increased engine idle times, polluting air quality in the surrounding area.

 

 

Why this was done on such a short stretch, on approach to a roundabout and what it will achieve is elusive.  It has created more problems and we struggle to see how it is of any benefit.

 

Did the council consider the needs of the local community, retailers and their customers, or even consult with them.  If so, we are not aware.  

 

Did they thoroughly think through the implications and negative detrimental affects it would have and what was the reasoning behind their decision to forge ahead regardless, without due consideration to our input, needs and requirements.

 

It is clear to any road user attempting to use Birchfield Road that the new measures INCREASE traffic congestion significantly. It is likely that even bus transport is held up at peak times due to not being able to reach the Bus/Cycle lane as a result of the build up of commuter traffic unable to use the right lane in the usual manner.

 

The Bus/Cycle lane needs to be reviewed and removed and the dual carriageway reinstated to its former layout.  This was a bad idea and locals should have been consulted and their needs and input taken into consideration.