The West Midlands is set to introduce a series of road safety improvements aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on its roads. Spearheading these efforts is Road Safety Commissioner Mat MacDonald, who is working towards the ambitious Vision Zero goal of eliminating road fatalities and serious injuries by 2040.
Key initiatives include cracking down on pavement parking, installing more red light cameras, and expanding average speed enforcement across the region. Pavement parking is a significant issue in the West Midlands, especially in Birmingham, where it often forces vulnerable pedestrians—such as people with disabilities, parents with pushchairs, and the visually impaired—onto the road, putting them at risk.
Last month, councils in the region were granted increased powers to tackle pavement parking. To effectively shape these measures, surveys and focus groups are being conducted to understand local attitudes and the real-world impact of pavement parking on communities. Two pilot schemes are planned to explore how these new powers can best be applied before wider implementation.
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Commissioner MacDonald points to successful examples elsewhere, citing London’s long-standing pavement parking ban and Edinburgh’s legal prohibitions as models that have shifted local culture to prioritize pedestrian safety. The aim is to foster a similar cultural change across West Midlands towns and cities by collaborating closely with communities to develop effective, practical solutions.
In addition, the authority is prioritizing average speed enforcement, with new infrastructure expected to be rolled out this year. Simultaneously, after a 14-year hiatus, red light cameras will be reintroduced at high-risk junctions. Birmingham City Council is leading the way with several sites, and further funding has been allocated to support six other local authorities in launching pilot schemes. These cameras are designed to cut down on collisions, protect pedestrians crossing roads, and provide evidence of their positive safety impacts.
Road safety measures also include expanding 20mph speed limits. Drawing on strong evidence from other regions such as Wales and London, where reduced speed limits have significantly lowered collision rates, the West Midlands is gathering region-specific data to guide local authorities on the most effective speed policies.
Together, these targeted actions aim to transform the West Midlands into a safer, more accessible region that encourages walking, cycling, and inclusive mobility while greatly reducing road-related harm.