Hundreds join demonstration for safer streets in Birmingham after fatal road collisions

They gathered on a sunny Sunday morning to deliver their single, vital demand - Better Streets for Birmingham.

Hundreds lined Kings Heath High Street where just last week a mother and her young son were struck by a car at a set of traffic lights as they made their way to school.

Latest reports say that the pair remain in hospital being treated for their injuries. The primary school pupil is in a critical, but stable condition, while the mum is stable.

Sadly this is not an isolated incident. It is the latest serious road collision in a matter of weeks - which has seen four people killed, including two children. The shocking incidents include hit and run crashes being investigated by police. The demonstrators gathered in Kings Heath have three clear goals:

• Better behaviour from all of us behind the wheel,
• Better enforcement of standards on our streets; and
• Better safety protection for our most vulnerable road users

One campaigner told how her partner was hit head on by a drunk driver near their home. The couple’s youngest child was meant to be with him - but thankfully wasn’t. The man was miraculously okay. She added: “A sliding doors moment that I’ve not got out of my head since. He’ll be getting extra hugs and spoiled rotten today (Father’s Day).”

Comedian Barbara Nice, who lives in the area, joined the campaign urging more people to use public transport and speaking out against drivers who jump red lights.

Local Cllr Lisa Trickett (Lab: Brandwood & Kings Heath) called for zero tolerance enforcement and an end to ‘car is king culture’. She said she would work with Better Streets for Birmingham to “ensure that our right to be safe on our streets is heard”.

Renowned live music venue the Hare & Hounds is also supporting the campaign saying “Kings Heath demands safer streets for everyone”.

Mum and cyclist Naomi Fisher added her voice to the campaign saying: “Incredibly powerful demonstration organised by Better Streets for Birmingham. It’s emotional thinking of all those whose lives have been lost or impacted by road violence, and particularly the mum and son who were knocked down here last week. Enough is enough.