Shabana has written to Birmingham City Council about the proposed bus lane on Washwood Heath Road.

Works have commenced to introduce the bus lane, which will run between Drews Lane and Membury Road.

Consultation on the bus lane took place during the general election, and residents have complained that their comments weren’t recorded.

In addition, assurances received by councillors from council officers that the plans wouldn’t be progressed were not fulfilled.

You can read Shabana’s letter in full below.

Letter to the Cabinet Member for Transport

Dear Majid

I am writing regarding the proposed bus lane on Washwood Heath Road between Drews Lane and Membury Road.

I understand work has started this week to introduce the bus lane on the road.

A consultation on the proposals largely took place during the general election, during which time there were no Members of Parliament and I was a parliamentary candidate for Birmingham Ladywood. As such, I was unable to make official representations as the Member of Parliament covering the Alum Rock ward.

I have since received sight of email exchanges between the local councillor and council officers where an extension to the consultation period is requested. In response to the request, a council officer states that they will take up the request with Transport for West Midlands, and that “nothing will be progressed in the meantime.”

However, no further updates were received and the project is now commencing.

I have received representations from residents indicating that traffic on the road is already free-flowing without the introduction of a bus lane. I am informed that the scheme will have an impact on the ability of residents on Washwood Heath Road to park their vehicles, due to the introduction of restrictions. Feedback from the consultation period did not mention a petition signed by a large number of residents opposing the plans, or take into account the views of the nearby mosque affected by the scheme.

Therefore, I am not satisfied an appropriate consultation has taken place in support of the bus lane. Please can my office receive an urgent briefing on the scheme and works be paused until a proper consultation has taken place.

Yours sincerely

Shabana Mahmood

Member of Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood