Birmingham City Council has confirmed it is suffering significant financial losses after an unauthorised traveller encampment took over a key pay-and-display car park in the Northfield area. The Herbert Austin car park, located directly opposite Northfield Shopping Centre, has been completely occupied by caravans and other vehicles across all fifty of its parking spaces.
Business and Community Impact
The council has emphasised that this unlawful occupation is creating substantial challenges for local businesses and residents who regularly depend on this facility. The car park serves as a crucial amenity for shoppers visiting Northfield High Street, with parking charges ranging from £1.50 for two hours to £5.50 for a full twenty-four hour period.
City transport boss Councillor Majid Mahmood stated that the situation has left numerous drivers, including those with disabilities, without accessible parking options. He further highlighted the direct financial consequences for the already cash-strapped local authority.
Official Council Response
Councillor Mahmood commented: "The council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it. This unlawful incursion is presenting a challenge for Northfield residents and businesses that would usually use this car park – meaning there’s also a loss of valuable income while these caravans are on site."
Local Community Reaction
Community campaigner Paul Smith reported that the traveller group moved onto the council-owned car park on Monday, February 9th, and were understood to still be occupying the site on Tuesday. He has received multiple contacts from concerned Northfield residents regarding the situation.
Smith explained: "Many residents of Northfield have been in contact with me regarding travellers setting up camp on the Sir Herbert Austin car park at the back of Northfield High Street. This is a Birmingham City Council car park and is used by many shoppers to visit the high street. This facility has selfishly been taken away from them, including many disabled spaces."
The occupation represents a dual problem for the area: the immediate loss of a vital public facility for shoppers and businesses, coupled with a direct financial impact on council revenues at a time when local authority budgets are under considerable pressure.
