Red Routes
Red Routes were first introduced in the West Midlands in 2003 to make journeys quicker, more reliable and safer for everyone. Since their introduction in 2003, 14 Red Routes (66km of highway network) has been implemented across the West Midlands. The emerging results are encouraging and clearly demonstrates that Red Routes are making a positive contribution to West Midlands Local Transport Plan (LTP) Targets.
Emerging Benefits of the Red Route Network
- Reduced journey times of over 8%;
- Reliability improvements of up to 40%;
- Bus journey times reductions and reliability improvements of up to 21% and 30% respectively;
- Illegal parking reduced by 60%;
- Evidence of increased pedestrian usage; and
- An accident reduction of around 8% (further long term assessment is required).
Further Red Route Network Development
A further 10 routes (54km of highway network) is scheduled for implementation in 2010 / 2011. Following a series of lessons learnt workshops these routes will embrace the following principles:
- A reduction in the number of signs to reduce street clutter;
- More emphasis on traffic engineering measures (junction improvements for example);
- Support to local centres by using the ‘Link and Place’ methodology; and
- Assisting the development of ‘Smarter Route corridors and strategies as part of the Regeneration Agenda in LTP3.