Stratford Road police operation where '80mph' speeds cause locals to fear for their lives

Locals have welcomed a police operation on a main road where dangerous drivers speed at '80mph' risking life and limb. Residents living near Stratford Road in Hall Green say they are plagued by racing vehicles which has even left them in fear of walking along the pavement.

The area has multiple shopping centres, schools and is a major commuting route. Councillor Timothy Huxtable said he has long been calling for tougher action to tackle late night speeding, inconsiderate parking and the enforcement of bus lanes.

He is also petitioning for average speed cameras to be installed. West Midlands Police conducted an operation tackling driving issues on Tuesday which was praised by residents who said more was needed.

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Resident Alison Durcan, 60, called the speeding issue 'horrendous' and said even walking along the pavement is scary. "The speed that people go, you are taking your life into your own hands," she told BirminghamLive.

"A few weeks ago, I was walking back from Tarragon Bistro and the cars were just belting up and down Stratford Road at 80mph at least. If one of them lost control, in a split second and you are walking down the road you are finished.

"It doesn't bear thinking about. It happens during daylight when the schools are coming out. They need speed cameras or something."

Councillor Huxtable said: "Speeding along the Stratford Road is a huge problem, putting the lives of both local residents and other drivers at risk. A lot of school children cross it on a daily basis to get to school.

"There are also three local shopping centres along the road. The police and council need to take much tougher action on speeding traffic, (especially late at night), dangerous parking, and the enforcement of bus lanes.

"To this end, earlier in the year I submitted a petition to full Council collected by local residents calling for the introduction of ASE cameras along the Stratford Road to tackle issues with speeding traffic given the police can't be there 24/7. I hope that the council and the Police and Crime Commissioner will take immediate action on the serious concerns raised by my constituents."