Vigil takes place in Birmingham after four road traffic deaths, including two children

A vigil took place in honour of the four road traffic accident victims, including two children, on Saturday (June 10).

In recent weeks, there have been four deaths related to road traffic accidents in Birmingham and a group of 50 or so people held a vigil for them.

The vigil took place near Belgrave Middleway where a cyclist - a father Hussien Nur Teklise - died in Birmingham in the past few weeks.

Organised by Better Streets for Birmingham, a community organisation, the group said: “In addition to the 50 people who attended, it was fantastic to see drivers and passers by show their support for this important vigil.

“However, in the hour we were there, we witnessed speeding, red light jumping, illegal vehicle modifications and some incredibly anti-social driving. This behaviour is precisely what killed those who we were remembering.

“The dreadful events of this week needs to mark a line in the sand. Everybody must work together to tackle dangerous driving and quickly deliver safe alternatives for people walking, wheeling and scooting.”

Brum Climate Justice Coalition wrote on Twitter: “We Demand Better. Better Streets for Birmingham protest in solidarity with the families of the four people who have lost their lives on the roads of Birmingham in recent weeks.”

Birmingham residents reacted to the vigil that took place to create awareness about tackling unsafe driving in the city.

One person said on Twitter: “I think you missed the worst bit! Just after you left about six cars went through a very red light, beeping their horns and revving their engines. Absolute peak Fast and the Furious-wannabe man-babies!”

Cllr Liz Clements wrote on Twitter: “Standing by the side of Belgrave Middleway watching the traffic and driving behaviours for an hour was a very alarming experience. We need massive cultural change.”

Another person wrote on Twitter: “Thank you @for_birmingham for organising the vigil for the cyclists & pedestrians killed on the streets of Birmingham recently. I’d love for this to be the last time this happens but it won’t be until Birmingham can Be Bold about.”