Better Streets for Birmingham

This week I talk with James Ward of the SUV Alliance, a group that is dedicated to tackling the spread of oversized vehicles in our cities. We first try to understand the problem before talking about ways to tackle it.

In this episode of the Better Streets for Birmingham podcast, Kevin Carmody speaks with Martin Price, Better Streets for Birmingham Chair, about the future of transport and road safety in Birmingham leading up to 2026. We discuss the local and national road harm reduction strategies, the impact of upcoming elections on transport policy, and the progress of various transport projects including rail improvements and micro-mobility initiatives. The conversation also touches on funding challenges and the importance of community engagement in advocating for safer streets.

A conversation with Jeremy Leach of Action Vision Zero about the 2025 Birmingham Road Harm Reduction StrategyThe conversation explores Birmingham's road safety strategy, focusing on the adoption of Vision Zero, which aims for zero fatalities on the roads. The discussion highlights the Safe Systems approach, the importance of reducing traffic volumes, implementing lower speed limits, and creating safer road infrastructure. The role of education in road safety is debated, along with the impact of vehicle size on pedestrian safety. The conversation concludes with thoughts on post-crash care and the need for radical action to implement Vision Zero effectively.https://actionvisionzero.org/

We talk with Mike Ashworth, a transport historian on the development of transport within Birmingham. We explore the historical context of urban planning in Birmingham, focusing on the car-centric schemes that led to significant changes in inner city suburbs. It highlights the booming car ownership in the 1960s and the neglect of public transport in urban development.

There is an ongoing problem of pavement parking in the UK. In this episode we hear the personal experiences of Aideen Blackborough, a wheelchair user. Aideen shares the daily dangers she faces due to cars parked on pavements, emphasising the need for legislative change to protect vulnerable pedestrians.https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/