New enforcement cameras in Birmingham city centre have already caught hundreds of drivers making banned turns, with penalties of up to £70 now being issued. The cameras, which went live in recent weeks, are targeting specific traffic offences that were previously difficult to enforce.
According to Birmingham City Council figures, a total of 453 vehicles were caught at the junction of Newhall Street and Great Charles Queensway in June and July alone. Penalty charge notices are set at £70, reduced to £35 if paid promptly.
Where the cameras are located
The crackdown is primarily focused on a section of Great Charles Queensway, where turns are banned because they could potentially be dangerous. Despite the risk, some drivers continue to make the manoeuvre, while others may be confused, unfamiliar with the city centre roads, or have missed signage indicating what is allowed.
On a section of Newhall Street, traffic can only proceed straight ahead rather than turning left or right. The vast majority of penalties have been issued at the junction of Newhall Street and Great Charles Queensway, with 453 vehicles caught at this spot during June and July. A smaller number of penalties have also been issued for right turns into Priory Road from Bristol Road.
Part of wider road safety measures
The new cameras are the latest in a series of driving safety measures being launched by the council. Speed limits on most busy roads were recently reduced to 30mph, while more speed cameras are being rolled out across the city. Council bosses have also announced plans to eventually cut most residential roads to 20mph.
Cllr Majid Mahmood, former transport boss at the city council, said earlier this year: “These new powers will help to make our roads safer by reducing dangerous driving behaviours like making banned turns. It will also allow for more effective local control over traffic flow and safety.”
Impact on drivers
Drivers who previously managed to avoid penalties for breaking the rules now face fines of up to £70. The enforcement is designed to stamp out dangerous manoeuvres in the city centre, with the council aiming to reduce risky driving behaviour and improve overall road safety for all users.
The introduction of these cameras marks a significant step in the council's ongoing efforts to improve road safety, with further measures expected as part of the broader traffic management strategy.
