Speeding Crackdown Alert: New Speed Cameras on A45 Small Heath Highway—But When Will They Start Snapping?
If you’re a driver in Birmingham, there’s a big change coming your way—and it’s one you won’t want to ignore. A series of speed cameras have been installed along the A45 Small Heath Highway, stretching from the junction with Bolton Road to Heybarnes Circus. But here’s the kicker: they’re not active yet. Instead, they’re currently undergoing a crucial process called calibration, which is expected to wrap up within a week. And this is the part most people miss: once they’re switched on, drivers who exceed the new 30mph limit will face fines and penalty points. No exceptions.
Why Now? And Why Here?
The move comes as part of a broader effort to tackle speeding and improve road safety in areas where accidents are frequent and compliance with speed limits is notoriously poor. Small Heath Highway is just one of six key routes across the city selected for this enhanced enforcement. The others include A45 Coventry Road, A47 Nechells/Fort Parkway, B4121 West Boulevard, A34 Walsall Road, B4114 Washwood Heath Road, and A34 Stratford Road. Each location was chosen based on collision data and a history of speeding violations.
The Calibration Controversy
But here’s where it gets controversial: while calibration is essential to ensure the cameras accurately detect speeding, some argue it’s just another way for councils to generate revenue rather than genuinely improve safety. What do you think? Is this a fair move to protect road users, or an overreach that penalizes drivers unfairly? Let us know in the comments.
What Drivers Need to Know
For now, the cameras are still in the testing phase, but once activated, they’ll extend the existing speed camera operation from Berkeley Road to Bordesley Middleway. A Birmingham City Council spokeswoman confirmed, ‘The calibration process is a necessary step to ensure accuracy and compliance. Once completed, enforcement will begin as appropriate.’ In simpler terms? If you’re caught speeding, you’ll pay the price.
Final Thoughts
As these changes roll out, it’s a timely reminder for all drivers to stay within the speed limits—not just to avoid fines, but to keep everyone on the road safe. But we want to hear from you: Do you think these new cameras will make a difference, or is there a better way to address speeding in Birmingham? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation!
