Why are traffic bans only targeting Birmingham's posh roads?

In Birmingham, England, proposals to implement 'modal filters' aimed at banning through-traffic on Russell Road and Amesbury Road are sparking considerable controversy. As part of these proposals, the local council is considering measures that have drawn the attention of comedian Janice Connolly, who is well-known for her performance character Barbara Nice. Connolly, 71, who rose to fame as a finalist on 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2019, has voiced her concerns regarding the potential environmental and community impacts of the plans, emphasizing the negative repercussions for noise and pollution if through-traffic is diverted to other nearby roads. Connolly's remarks were made public through her social media account, where she questioned why such closures seem to affect only more affluent neighborhoods, causing her to draw comparisons between Birmingham's changing landscape and that of London. In the posts, she emphasized the need for public education about traffic reduction, propounding that increasing pedestrian-centric campaigns could discourage driving, thus promoting a healthier urban environment. Local community reactions have been divided, with over 1,500 residents signing a petition against the implementation of modal filters, fearing it will 'displace traffic' rather than mitigate it. Supporters of the initiative argue it is necessary for making Russell Road safer, given the significant traffic problems experienced during peak hours, which are said to render the road 'dangerous and unpleasant.' This disparity in opinions illustrates the broader tension regarding urban traffic management in Birmingham. As this debate continues to unfold, organizations like Better Streets for Birmingham are advocating for the council’s proposed measures. They contend there is an urgent need for reform to address the hazardous state of Russell Road, which suffers from high speeds and dangerous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. The discussions showcase the complexities of urban planning, particularly in balancing the needs of traffic flow against the health and safety of local residents, while reflecting wider issues of urban sustainability and environment policy.