Chaos has gripped Birmingham's transport network after plunging temperatures and snow transformed city streets into hazardous ice rinks. The dangerous conditions, which struck on Friday, 2 January 2026, have led to widespread disruption, with multiple collisions and significant public transport cancellations.
Transport Network Brought to a Standstill
The impact on public transport has been severe. Around 15 National Express West Midlands bus routes have been either diverted or abandoned completely due to the treacherous driving surfaces. The situation on the ground is dire, with one bus becoming stranded at the junction of Queslett Road and Collingswood Drive. In a separate incident earlier in the day, a car skidded on the ice and crashed into the back of a bus.
Multiple Collisions Across the City
Motorists have faced extreme difficulty, with numerous reports of vehicles skidding out of control. A significant collision involving approximately half a dozen vehicles has been reported on Rocky Lane in Perry Barr, close to the junction with Lavendon Road. Other areas have become completely impassable; The Holloway in Bartley Green is described as being too icy for cars to navigate safely.
The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across the region for the day. Forecasters warned of icy stretches forming as a band of rain, sleet and snow cleared through the morning. While sunshine followed, a brisk breeze made it feel bitterly cold, with a maximum temperature of just 4°C.
Ongoing Disruption and Safety Advice
Residents in affected areas, including Great Barr, Quinton, Handsworth Wood, Bartley Green, and Weoley Castle, are being urged to exercise extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary. The combination of compacted snow and freezing temperatures has created a layer of black ice, making roads and pavements exceptionally slippery.
Authorities are advising people to check for the latest travel updates before setting out on any journey. With the weather warning in effect, the situation on Birmingham's roads remains fluid and potentially dangerous for the remainder of the day.
