New road cameras in Birmingham have issued 453 fines for banned turns in the first two months of enforcement, according to a BirminghamLive investigation. The cameras were switched on in June to target specific traffic offences near the city centre, with council bosses hoping the threat of fines will deter motorists from breaking the rules.
Enforcement is primarily focused on a section of Great Charles Queensway, where turns are banned because they could be dangerous when moving across the flow of busy traffic. Despite the risk, some drivers have continued to make these manoeuvres. On a section of Newhall Street, traffic can only go straight on rather than turning left or right, a rule some motorists have ignored, possibly including those who are lost or unfamiliar with the city centre.
Where the fines were issued
The vast majority of penalties have been issued at the junction of Newhall Street and Great Charles Queensway. A total of 453 fines were handed out at this spot in June and July. A small number of penalties have also been issued for right turns into Priory Road from Bristol Road.
The launch of enforcement for banned turns is the latest road safety measure taken by Birmingham City Council. Speed limits on most busy roads were recently cut to 30mph, while more speed cameras are being rolled out. Council bosses have also announced plans to eventually cut most residential roads to 20mph.
Council response
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.”
The enforcement programme is part of a broader effort to improve road safety across Birmingham, with the council continuing to implement measures aimed at reducing dangerous driving and improving traffic flow in the city centre and beyond.
