In a major move to tackle road safety concerns, Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police significantly expanded the city's network of Average Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras in 2025. This initiative targets several major commuter corridors with technology designed to encourage a consistent, safer flow of traffic.
How the New Speed Enforcement System Works
The newly installed systems represent a shift from traditional 'spot' speed cameras. Average Speed Enforcement cameras calculate a vehicle's speed over a set distance between two points. This method is far more effective at discouraging the dangerous cycle of braking and accelerating near fixed cameras, promoting steadier driving throughout monitored zones.
These modern digital systems operate around the clock, automatically transmitting data to the police for processing. This is a significant upgrade from older 'wet film' technology. The council has stated that revenue generated from fines will be reinvested into local road safety projects and further enforcement technology.
Key Roads Now Under Strict Average Speed Surveillance
The expansion has placed a number of critical Birmingham routes under continuous scrutiny. Here are the major corridors affected:
The A45 Coventry Road has seen its enforcement zone greatly extended. The 40mph limit is now actively monitored from Berkeley Road all the way to Bordesley Middleway. This busy route has been a focus due to high-speed collisions.
New John Street West and Belgrave Middleway, both part of the A4540 Ring Road, are now covered. Speed limits here vary between 30mph and 40mph. These inner-city stretches, known for speeding, are being monitored to better protect vulnerable road users in densely populated areas.
The A34 Walsall Road is equipped with new cameras covering the stretch from Wellington Road to the city boundary at Newton Road. As a crucial northern artery with heavy commuter traffic, regulating speed is deemed essential for peak-hour safety.
The A38 Bristol Road remains a key enforcement site, specifically between Priory Road and Speedwell Road. The strict 30mph limit on this major route for students and hospital staff aims to manage the high volume of pedestrians and cyclists.
The A456 Hagley Road continues to be a primary focus for the West Midlands Police Camera Enforcement Unit. Cameras are positioned between Lordswood Road and Portland Road on this major gateway into the city centre, which has a history of speed-related incidents.
Additional Roads Added to the Network
The expansion also includes several other important roads. West Boulevard (B4121) has been added to the list, with cameras now monitoring the section between Selcroft Avenue and California Way following local concerns about dangerous driving.
Furthermore, Washwood Heath Road (B4114) is under increased surveillance between Ward End Park Road and Bromford Lane. The 30mph average speed check here is intended to safeguard residents in an area with a high density of shops and schools.
This comprehensive rollout of average speed cameras marks a determined effort by local authorities to use advanced technology to modify driver behaviour and improve safety on Birmingham's busiest roads.
