A volunteer group in Hall Green is taking action to combat the widespread issue of cars parking on grass verges, which have become churned-up and muddy across Birmingham.
The group, called 'Hall Green's Keepin It Clean', is placing 'Keep Off The Grass' signs at five problem spots in the ward in an effort to preserve the verges. Neelam Ul-Haq, from the group, said they first noticed the signs near Etwall Road mosque and were told drivers generally obeyed them, so they were donated five signs.
Sign locations
One sign will be placed at the corner of Ingestre Road and Stratford Road, and another by flats on Highfield Road. The group is asking the public to suggest where the other three signs should go.
Neelam acknowledged that a minority of people might push back, but said behavior shows people generally obey signs. She highlighted the environmental impact, noting that grass helps absorb rainwater and prevents flooding.
"There's a lot of work that needs to be done as people are generally opportunists. This is a small attempt to preserve the verges but more needs to be done," she said.
The group has not asked Birmingham City Council for permission but hopes it understands they are doing more good than harm. "We are preserving the verges and showing we care," Neelam added.
Community reaction
The idea was embraced on Facebook. Sue Higgs said all green verges should have these signs. Linda Carroll said she would love one to stop people parking on her verge in Baldwins Lane. Margaret Danks called it a brilliant idea but suggested fixing them permanently to prevent theft. Linda Turner said they are needed on the central reservation by the York.
