Drivers across Birmingham are facing a major adjustment as new, lower speed limits come into force on more than two dozen key routes.
Widespread speed reductions across the city
The speed limit has been cut from 40mph to 30mph on 27 main roads in a significant shift for the city's transport network. The change, which forms part of a concerted safety drive by Birmingham City Council, aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries.
Council bosses have confirmed that the new limits are now active. Motorists who fail to adhere to the new rules risk fines and penalty points on their driving licences.
New cameras and a clear safety message
The policy is being backed by the installation of new average speed cameras. The first of these new cameras is being set up on Coventry Road (A45), extending an existing scheme from Berkley Road to Bordesley Middleway.
Temporary signs are in place to alert drivers before enforcement begins. Council officials have stressed that the primary goal is safety, not revenue generation.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, stated: "When we declared a road safety emergency we promised to take action and this is what is happening. There is no excuse for dangerous driving. We are installing these cameras to stop those drivers who think it is acceptable to put people at risk by travelling too fast."
He added a direct plea to motorists: "Our message here is simple: Slower is Safer. Stick to speed limits and save lives."
Full list of affected roads
The comprehensive list of roads where the 30mph limit now applies includes many major arterial routes:
- A34 Walsall Road, Perry Barr Expressway, Birchfield Road, and High Street
- A4041 Queslett Road
- A452 Chester Road North and Chester Road
- A5127 Lichfield Road
- A38 Tyburn Road and Kingsbury Road
- A47 Heartlands/Fort Parkway and Nechells Parkway
- A4540 Ring Road (clockwise, from Dartmouth Circus to Spring Hill)
- A45 Small Heath Highway and Coventry Road/New Coventry Road
- A441 Redditch Road
- A38 Bristol Road South
- A456 Hagley Road West
- A41 Hockley Flyover (Soho Hill and Hockley Hill)
- Plus several B-roads and local routes including Webster Way, Ox Leys Road, and Walmley Ash Lane.
The initiative has received support from West Midlands Police. Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: "I fully support this initiative, which will hopefully reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads."
The changes mark one of the most extensive speed limit revisions in Birmingham in recent years, signalling a firm commitment to the council's declared road safety emergency.
