Birmingham is preparing to host the European Athletics Championships this August, welcoming more than 1,500 of Europe’s top athletes for a special seven-day sporting occasion.
As part of the event, significant road closures will be enforced across the city centre and Jewellery Quarter to facilitate the Marathon, Race Walk, and Unity Challenge 1k and 5k races. A total of 82 roads will be affected from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to move their vehicles ahead of these closures. Organisers have warned that any vehicles left on event routes during closure times may be relocated and could incur a penalty charge notice.
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According to a leaflet distributed to residents, “Vehicles left on the event routes after these times may be moved by our relocation system and could receive a penalty charge notice. Please use driveways or park on nearby streets.”
Information signs detailing road closures and parking restrictions will be installed two weeks prior to the event. While the shutdowns will temporarily restrict vehicle access, pedestrian and emergency access to all properties will be maintained throughout.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to residents for their understanding and encouraged community participation, stating, “We aim to minimise disruption as much as possible and would love for you to be part of Birmingham 2026!”
The specific road closure schedule is as follows:
- Friday 14 August: Closures start
- Saturday 15 August: Roads closed from 3am to 3pm
- Sunday 16 August: Roads closed at varied times between 3am and 6.30pm
These closures are essential to ensure the smooth running of the championships and to showcase the city’s ability to host major international sporting events.