Solihull councillors from across the political spectrum have unanimously backed a motion calling for local authorities to retain 50% of speeding fine revenue to fund road safety improvements. The West Midlands region generates over £1.6 million annually from speeding fines, but currently all revenue goes to HM Treasury with none returned to local councils.
Motion Details and Cross-Party Support
The Liberal Democrat motion, proposed at the full council meeting on July 7, urges the government to change rules so that local authorities keep half of the fines cash. The funds would be ring-fenced for safety measures including speed cameras and school safety schemes. Councillor Kathryn Thomas, introducing the motion, highlighted the urgency: "Someone's going to get killed - it's something you hear more often than you want to as a councillor in connection to speeding."
Thomas noted that speeding is the most common issue raised by residents and described her personal experience: "We have tried self help with speed watch patrols - I personally clocked someone doing 63mph on a residential road with a 30mph limit." She emphasized the need to "unlock funding" to reinvest in road safety.
Political Reactions and Amendments
Councillor Max McLoughlin, leader of the Green group, said: "The money goes to the treasury and we apply cap in hand for a fraction of it. 50 per cent retained locally - not a radical demand - is the principle that the consequences of dangerous driving should fund the prevention of dangerous driving in the places where it actually happens."
Conservative leader Councillor Karen Grinsell expressed support: "As people have said there are people speeding when they shouldn’t be. Anything we can do that encourages and ensures we receive more money can only be a good thing. I’m more than happy to write to whoever we need to."
Reform UK group leader Councillor Samantha Gethen proposed an amendment to ensure the focus remains on genuinely dangerous driving rather than authorities seeking to increase the fine pot. She said: "We are right behind the ask for funding but it (the amendment) puts guardrails around what the funding is actually for."
However, Councillor Ken Hawkins, cabinet portfolio holder for environment and infrastructure, opposed the amendment: "I can’t support this, it goes too far, it doesn’t need to be amended." The amendment was defeated, and the original motion passed unanimously.
Impact and Next Steps
The motion now calls on the council leader to lobby the government for legislative change. If successful, Solihull could receive an estimated £800,000 annually from speeding fines, based on the region's total revenue. The funds would be dedicated to safety improvements, potentially reducing accidents and fatalities on local roads.
