A major Birmingham city centre thoroughfare was brought to a complete standstill for a quarter of an hour after a DPD delivery lorry attempted an ill-fated tight turn it simply could not complete. The incident, which unfolded during a busy period, saw the large vehicle become firmly trapped, blocking Colmore Row and drawing a crowd of bemused onlookers.
Chaos on Colmore Row
The logistical mishap occurred as the HGV driver attempted to navigate from Temple Road West onto the prominent Colmore Row. Witnesses reported that the lorry's dimensions were entirely unsuited for the manoeuvre, leading to an immediate and total blockage of the road. For approximately 15 minutes, no traffic could pass in either direction, creating significant disruption in the heart of the city's business district.
Police Called to 'Straighten Things Out'
With the situation at an impasse, West Midlands Police officers were dispatched to the scene. Their primary task was to facilitate the lorry's extrication, which they humorously described as helping to "straighten things out." The solution required the temporary relocation of several parked cars situated to the right of the stranded vehicle, which were preventing any possibility of correction.
Once these obstacles were cleared by officers coordinating with vehicle owners, the DPD driver was finally able to complete the turn and continue on their route, allowing normal traffic flow to resume on Colmore Row.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Standstill
Local witnesses captured the bizarre scene, with one social media user quipping, "Someone took a wrong turn! Guess nobody’s moving anytime soon." Another eyewitness speaking to local media provided a clearer account: "I suddenly saw the DPD lorry on Colmore Row making a turn it couldn’t do. The road was blocked for about 10-15 minutes. Police arrived to 'straighten things out' and arrange for the parked cars on the right to be moved. The lorry was then able to make the manoeuvre."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges large goods vehicles face when navigating the tight, historic streets of Birmingham's city centre, often leading to unexpected and disruptive traffic snarl-ups.
