Better buses, trains and trams are the only way to prevent gridlock in the West Midlands, a survey has found.

A ‘State of the Nation’ report by the Institution of Civil Engineers, published today, includes a new public opinion survey to canvass views on transport problems.  It found that nearly three-quarters of people believed improved public transport was the best way to beat road congestion – and only one in ten said the answer was to build more roads.

“People are willing to get out of their cars if sensible transport options are available,” said Christina Jackson, who chaired the State of the Nation panel.  “It’s time for decisions and actions – especially on public transport.  Without this, the region’s transport will continue to decline and potentially inhibit economic development.”

The West Midlands conurbation has already made significant progress according to public transport promoter Centro.  In the Birmingham rush hour, commuters on buses, trains and trams already out-number motorists stuck in traffic jams – but the Passenger Transport Authority, which sets policy for Centro, agrees much more could be done.

This week Birmingham City Council reaffirmed its commitment to the next phase of Midland Metro expansion allowing Centro to press on with plans to deliver the Government-approved project for trams on city centre streets. 

Transport Minister Derek Twigg is also opening the latest park and ride expansion at Stourbridge.  Centro’s free park and ride provision is the largest scheme of its kind and now takes more than 2½ million car journeys a year off the region’s congested roads.