Birmingham MP Paulette Hamilton has identified Chester Road in Erdington as one of the city's worst roads for speeding, calling for greater enforcement to curb dangerous driving. Speaking during a West Midlands Road Safety debate in the House of Commons, the Labour MP highlighted repeated serious collisions and fatalities on the road, the most recent occurring on May 24, 2026.
Lack of Enforcement Undermines Speed Limits
Hamilton argued that reduced speed limits, such as the recent cut from 40mph to 30mph on many main routes and the introduction of 20mph zones, are ineffective without regular enforcement. She stated that "too many drivers are simply ignoring" speeding laws, and that communities need confidence that road safety measures will change behavior, not just add signage.
Residents in Erdington have expressed frustration over inconsistent enforcement and a lack of clarity around how 20mph and 30mph zones are policed. Hamilton emphasized the need for clearer national guidance, stronger enforcement, and better coordination between councils, police, and transport authorities.
Chester Road: A History of Crashes
Chester Road has been the scene of multiple crashes in recent years, with the MP noting that speeding has "devastating consequences for pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists." Police and council leaders have made cutting speeding a priority, with plans to roll out more speed cameras alongside reduced limits. However, mobile speed camera vans already operate across the city, catching thousands of motorists annually.
Hamilton's comments come amid a broader push for road safety, with police conducting roadside tests and removing licences from dangerous drivers. The MP called for a deterrent effect through consistent enforcement, warning that rules "exist on paper" but compliance remains inconsistent.
