Embargoed: not for publication or broadcast before 0001hrs Thursday 30th March 2006.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling visits Birmingham tomorrow (Thursday, 30 March) to open the £160 million National Traffic Control Centre at Quinton.

The new centre will give drivers the fullest real-time picture ever of what is happening across the 7,300km of England's motorways and trunk roads. A vital tool for planning journeys and keeping our roads network moving.

He also confirmed progress on two local transport schemes.

He will announce approval for the £49m Selly Oak New Road scheme. The road will cut some 50% of through traffic from the existing A38 through Selly Oak, with environmental improvements and better conditions for public transport, cyclists and pedestrians using the centre. A major boost for regeneration in the area.

He has also agreed for the local authority to take forward work on the West Midlands Urban Traffic Control Major Scheme Bid at an approved cost of £26.6m.  It will now be for them to progress the scheme within the approved budget.

This scheme, promoted by CENTRO, will see a new traffic control centre, based alongside the new national centre to tackle congestion and make journeys more reliable on local roads in the West Midlands. 

Mr Darling said:

"Transport in the West Midlands is vital to this country. The National Traffic Control Centre based near Quinton will deliver real-time information quickly and accurately to drivers. Making a real difference to their journeys and  helping keep the country moving ."

Commenting on the Selly Oak New Road Scheme and Urban Traffic Control Centre he said:

"This is good news for the West Midlands. We are matching investment to innovative ways of getting the most out of our road network.

"The Selly Oak new road will cut up to 50% of through traffic, making a real difference to the South West of Birmingham. Cutting congestion, supporting regeneration it can play a vital role in revitalising the area."

"A traffic centre for the West Midlands area has great potential to tackle congestion and make journeys more reliable. Using our roads smarter can make a real difference to drivers across the region."

The DfT is working closely with the region on tackling long-term congestion through the Transport Innovation Fund.