Speed limits have been dramatically reduced across much of Birmingham, leaving motorists vulnerable to fines if they fail to adapt to the new rules. Most busy roads around the city have seen their speed limits cut from 40mph to 30mph, with traffic slowed considerably.
City council bosses took action in a bid to reduce crashes and improve safety. Brummies who regularly drive around the city heading to work, shops and dropping kids at school will likely have noticed changes. They now face the risk of fines if they don't stick to the 30mph limit.
Which roads are affected?
Most main arteries around the city are now 30mph zones. It includes parts of A34 Walsall Road, A38 Bristol Road South and A456 Hagley Road West, as well as many more. The changes mean drivers now risk penalties for going as fast as 31mph on roads they are used to being 40mph.
New speed cameras are also being rolled out across Birmingham while council bosses are also keen to ban pavement parking. Police may let drivers off if they are only slightly over the limit though this is never guaranteed.
Speed camera vans target new 30mph roads
Meanwhile, a recent BirminghamLive investigation found police speed camera vans were visiting some of the new 30mph roads. This serves as a warning to anyone risking ignoring the new limits.
Cllr Majid Mahmood, former roads boss at Birmingham City Council, said earlier this year: “When we declared a road safety emergency, we promised to take action and this is what is happening.
He added: “Our message here is simple: Slower is Safer. Stick to speed limits and save lives.”
