Parking enforcement must precede bus priority measures on major Birmingham route, say councillors

As Birmingham prepares to introduce the £15.5 million Cross City Bus Package 6 West, aimed at boosting the Number 74 bus route between Birmingham City Centre and West Bromwich, local councillors are stressing a crucial prerequisite: effective parking enforcement.

The new scheme promises a range of improvements, including a bus gate, peak hour bus lanes, junction upgrades, pedestrian crossing enhancements, 15 CCTV-equipped bus shelters, and enhanced passenger facilities. However, councillors warn that without controlling the chronic problem of illegal parking along the busy Soho Road, these measures may fall short.

Soho Road, renowned for its specialist jewellery shops, regularly experiences “irritating” double parking and vehicles blocking bus lanes. Councillor Jim O’Boyle from Coventry highlighted that bus stops are often misused for parking with little enforcement, calling for stronger action: “It’s got to come with enforcement.” Walsall Council leader Mike Bird echoed the concerns, pointing out that many visitors prefer to drive to the area and that expecting them to park off-street before reaching these shops may be unrealistic without adequate parking solutions.

Birmingham’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Majid Mahmood, confirmed ongoing discussions to expand local car parks to alleviate issues. He emphasized the area’s diverse community assets, including schools, health centres, nurseries, Handsworth College, and one of the country’s largest gurdwaras, suggesting that many will support improved bus services if enforcement is effective.

Mahmood also noted that the city already deploys a mobile enforcement vehicle targeting parking violations on bus stops and red routes. Meanwhile, Solihull Councillor Bob Sleigh praised bus lane monitoring systems that effectively deter misuse and improve journey times, advocating for similar measures along the entire new route.

This initiative forms part of six Cross City Bus schemes planned across Birmingham, with the comprehensive programme set for presentation to the West Midlands Combined Authority Board this summer. Councillors agree that addressing parking enforcement first is vital to ensure these bus priority measures deliver the intended benefits.