Contemporary Challanges Birmingham Faces Flashcards
(26 cards)
Causes from traffic congestion ?
-Population growth and car usage - more people in Birmingham - over 60% of residents will use a car.
-Spaghetti junction - traffic hotspots. Road capacity is not made to support the level of traffic today.
-workers from across the west midlands and beyond. Everyday thousands of commuters travel to the city. Which increases major traffic routes.
-poor public transport - buses, trams, trains are criticised for not being comprehensive or reliable enough.
Problems which are caused by traffic ?
-lost productivity - delays which is loss of working hours. Costs the economy hundreds of millions each year due to delays, missed deliveries and fuel costs.
-air quality - air pollution due to to vehicle emissions. High levels of Nitrogen dioxide. Cause health issues.
-carbon emissions
-accidents - congested roads more prone to accidents. Frustrated drivers - behaviour risks.
What are the sustainable solutions to traffic problems?
-the clean air zone - reports suggest this helped reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide in the city centre.
-introduced Bus Rapid Transit System - faster, efficient bus routes with dedicated lanes and frequent services
What is the clean air zone?
A designated area in the city centre within the A4540 Middleway where vehicles that do not meet certain emission standards are subject to a daily fee to enter.
What is the Bus Rapid Transit System ?
-Aims to provide faster, efficient bus routes with dedicated lanes and frequent services.
-48% of all trips into the city
What is the second contemporary challenge Birmingham faces ?
Housing
Why is the population growth making housing a challenge?
Birmingham has faced rapid population growth, 1.1 million residents which will continue to rise.
Due to internal immigration for work, education, and family reasons.
International and national migration due to higher than average birth rate.
How many houses does Birmingham need in the future?
Birmingham city council estimates they need 89,000 new homes by 2031.
Why has Birmingham got an housing supply shortfall ?
Birmingham has insufficient construction where they are behind, 3,000 homes are built annually which is less than half needed.
Land availability is low.
Greenbelt land surrounds the city which is protected restricting space for new houses.
What has been the percentage increase in house prices from 2015 to 2023?
Over 30%
This statistic highlights the significant rise in property prices during this period.
What is the average house price in Birmingham as of 2023?
270,000
This figure indicates the current market conditions in Birmingham.
By what percentage have average monthly rents increased in the past few years?
More than 20%
This increase reflects the rising cost of living and housing affordability issues.
What issue is indicated by the presence of tens of thousands of households on the waiting list?
Social housing shortage
This indicates a significant demand for affordable housing options.
Fill in the blank: House prices in Birmingham have increased by _______ as of 2023.
270,000
True or False: Average monthly rents have decreased by more than 20% in the past few years.
False
Rents have actually increased, not decreased.
What is the quality of the private rental sector in Birmingham?
Poor quality
Who primarily lives in the poor quality private rental sector in Birmingham?
Many lower income households
What issue is prevalent in Birmingham’s private rental sector?
Poorly maintained properties
What is a significant consequence of the poor quality rental sector in Birmingham?
Overcrowding levels
Which areas in Birmingham have some of the highest overcrowding levels?
- Sparkbrook
- Ladywood
What are the reasons for Birmingham’s rapid population growth?
Internal migration for work, education, family reasons, and international migration due to a higher-than-average birth rate
Internal migration refers to movement within the country, while international migration refers to people moving from other countries.
What is the estimated number of new homes needed in Birmingham by 2031?
89,000 new homes
This estimate is provided by the Birmingham City Council.
What is the housing crisis in Birmingham characterized by?
A significant gap between the number of homes available and the number needed
The gap indicates a shortage of housing relative to the growing population.
True or False: Birmingham has a lower-than-average birth rate.
False
Birmingham has a higher-than-average birth rate, contributing to its population growth.
