We visited street in Birmingham named 'worst' for parking fines and motorists say 'it's impossible'

The issue of parking is one that has long plagued people on Alum Rock Road - but it seems the problem is getting worse rather than better

It’s the road dubbed Birmingham’s most terrible for parking. And according to a recent study it’s now among the country’s worst too for parking fines.

Earlier this month we reported more than 6,600 parking fines were dished out along Alum Rock Road last year. That’s 18 a day on average.

Only a road in Westminster had more parking fines. And that is one of the busiest spots in the country, in the capital near the Houses of Parliament.

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We featured the issue of parking on Alum Rock Road in June 2023. At the time, we found business owners terrified they wouldn’t survive if the situation continued.

So how have things developed 15 months on? It’s not got any better, according to people we spoke to.

One shop worker, who gave his name as Ash, said the situation seemed only worse. He said: “Every hour the road is blocked for ten or twenty minutes. The weekend is even worse. It’s impossible to use the road.”

Ash explained the problems were down to people parking inconsiderately and slowing the rest of the traffic. He also said the roundabout connecting Adderley Road and Washwood Heath Road was an issue.

Motorists, he told, could often be heard bibbing their horns as tempers frayed. The worker believed there should be no parking on the road at all.

“This corner is dangerous,” Ash continued. “If people park their car here for one or two minutes… the bus gets stuck and the road is blocked.”

Shahid Iqbal, another shop keeper, said the road was constantly jammed. “We are very busy here,” he stated. “The traffic is very busy. There are vehicles in front of the shops.”

When BirminghamLive visited, we saw traffic wardens out speaking with motorists on the road. At least one was moved on by the group of three men in hi-vis jackets.

Taxi driver Mohammed Farooq said people often came to Alum Rock Road from out of town, contributing to the problem. He claimed some came from as far afield as Telford, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and even Manchester for festivals and weddings.

“They don’t know where to park,” he said. “I try to come and absorb what’s going on. It is bad. I’m not saying the ticket guys are harsh. They do give people time and look around. The problem is is that it is overcrowded basically.”

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