Birmingham plans 20mph limits on most residential roads

Birmingham City Council has confirmed plans to roll out 20mph speed limits across most residential roads in the city, a major change for drivers. The move aims to reduce traffic dominance in neighbourhoods and could spark motorist opposition. The plan will apply to all smaller side roads in residential areas, while busier main routes, recently reduced to 30mph, will be excluded. Council bosses said the limits will be implemented gradually, though some wider roads passing through residential areas remain uncertain. The proposal has already drawn political criticism, with Reform UK calling it "anti-motorist" and opposing it as a default measure. The rollout adds to national debate over 20mph zones, which are supported for safety near schools but criticized as overused.