Birmingham comedian says 'why always posh roads' in latest row over blocked streets in city suburb

Kings Heath comedian Janice Connolly, known for her character Barbara Nice, has questioned proposals to ban through-traffic on two Moseley streets, asking, "why is it always the posh roads?" Connolly - who was a regular on BBC's Doctors and shot to fame thanks to an appearance on Britain’s Got Talent - has spoken out against plans to instal modal filters on Russell Road and Amesbury Road, currently being considered by the council.

Nearly 1,500 people have signed a petition opposing the plans saying it will have a 'damaging impact on the local community. The scheme is backed by active travel campaigners who say Russell Road is a 'dangerous and unpleasant' road 'choked with traffic' during rush hour.

Traffic calming measures have long been a contentious issue in both Kings Heath and Moseley - with supporters highlighting the environmental benefits, while opponents argue that they simply divert traffic onto surrounding roads. During an exchange on social media, comedian Janice Connolly said Birmingham was beginning to feel 'more and more like London' and said she feared the plans would increase noise and pollution for residents on surrounding roads.

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Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Janice Connolly said: "I know we need less cars but these roads being closed will make other roads even more noisy and increase pollution for residents. Why is it always the posh roads that are being closed - it's becoming more and more like London... we need to start making people feel they don't want to drive so much by campaigns on social media on public health grounds through education and changing attitudes."

A petition opposing the plans states: "Russell Road is an important route between Kings Heath and Balsall Heath and closing it to through vehicle traffic will simply be displace this traffic onto Salisbury Road, Moor Green Lane, Dads Lane and Alcester Road. This will cause particular problems at the Salisbury Road/Alcester Road junction with a significant increase in traffic wanting to turn right from Salisbury Road into Alcester Road."

However, campaign group Better Streets for Birmingham have welcomed the plans. In a statement published earlier this year, the group said: "Russell Road is a dangerous road despite having a 20mph speed limit. It is choked with traffic during rush hour and suffers from horrendous speeding. Drivers adhering to the speed limit are regularly tailgated and overtaken.

"Cycling on it results in a litany of illegally close passes. There is a clear and obvious need to do something about this and we welcome the Council’s focus on making Russell Road safer."