Birmingham motorists "have risen to the challenge" of the traffic congestion caused by winter weather and the spate of road works, according to the council's transport chief.

Labour cabinet member for transport Tahir Ali praised drivers for the "patience" during what he described as a "challenging" month for the city's road network.

This month has seen road closures on the M6 Spaghetti Junction and junctions 5 and 8, ongoing works on Chester Road in Castle Bromwich and the start of closures around Paradise Circus as demolition work on the Central Library begins.

The city council and Highways Agency have come under fire for the scheduling of works - but argue there will inevitably be overlap given the scale of repairs needed.

Coun Ali (Lab Nechells) said: "We knew January was going to be difficult because of the combination of the start of important, but unavoidable, road works, mid-winter weather and the continuing heavy demands on our transport network.

"Birmingham's motorists have risen to that challenge and I thank them for their patience and co-operation. The works will continue for some time to come and we are not yet out of the cold weather.

"Unfortunately, we will face more disruptions, in order to achieve economic and transport improvements. My advice to everyone is to plan journeys carefully, around the latest traffic information."

Further measures are to begin at Paradise Circus this weekend with, from Saturday evening, the closure of Broad Street's inbound carriageway from Bridge Street. Diversions will be signposted.

Also, from February 9 and for a period of 12 weeks, the section of Summer Row between Lionel Street and Fleet Street will be subject to short, intermittent closures. Local diversions will be in place and signed.

The city council is urging commuters and travellers to, wherever possible, use public transport, walk or cycle into the city centre.