THE FIGHT against ‘reckless’ and ‘speeding’ drivers in Solihull has stepped up after two teenagers were injured.
Michael Doyle, a former chief superintendent at West Midlands Police, called on Solihull Councillors last month to take action on drivers on Church Hill Road following a spate of incidents.
Since then another incident has occurred and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Solihull West and Shirley MP, has joined the campaign.
West Midlands Police said officers were called to Church Hill Road, Solihull shortly after 3pm on May 9 after a collision involving a car and pedestrians.
Two teenagers were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and has been bailed with strict conditions while enquiries continue.
Anyone who saw what happened and has more information or footage can contact police via 101 or Live Chat via the force’s website and quote log number 3070 of May 9.
Mr Doyle said: “The council continue to procrastinate while young children are mowed down waking home. This was an avoidable accident.
“The sum total of 15 months of lobbying is a splodge of paint in the road and traffic signs, one obscured by a cherry blossom tree.
“We need to continue robust enforcement by local police . Their efforts on Friday were commendable and need to continue to influence those reckless fools.
“The council must install speed bumps to significantly slow these drivers down.
“I would like to know what message the council would give to those children lying seriously injured awaiting an ambulance to hospital. What message to the parents sitting beside a hospital bed.
“The council should hang their heads in shame.”
Dr Neil said: “This latest incident underlines the pressing need for action.
“I have written to the Head of Highways Management at Solihull Council, to urge the prompt implementation of measures that will improve pedestrian safety and prevent further tragedies along Church Hill Road.
“In recent months, my office and I have engaged with the Council and local Police, raising the long standing concerns of residents and highlighting the urgent need for change.
“These efforts form part of a wider campaign, led by Councillor Gethen, Mr Doyle, and local residents, whose work to champion road safety predates this most recent event.
“We now need decisive action. The safety of our communities must always be a shared priority, and I will continue to press for the necessary improvements until meaningful progress is made.”
A Solihull Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the distress and concern the road traffic collision has caused the local community. The Council and West Midlands Police are working together under the Safer Solihull partnership, which brings together key stakeholders to oversee issues that affect our local communities, including road safety.
“Our initial post-crash response is focusing on the two casualties, who are both recovering well from their injuries, and the Police are continuing investigations into the cause of the collision.
“Following a separate previous incident on 2 February 2025, the Council listened to residents’ concerns and agreed to collate evidence in preparation for a business case for some form of traffic calming scheme.
“As an immediate measure, the Council has installed a SpeedVisor sign and other road safety information signs to help raise awareness of the 30mph maximum speed limit.
“The Police are leading on the enforcement process and have also committed to carrying out enforcement activity. The situation was monitored earlier this week, and further exercises are planned in the coming weeks.
“Given the seriousness of the two recent collisions, we are planning to explore some form of traffic calming scheme for Church Hill Road and we will be looking at the section from the College down to Prince’s Way roundabout and up towards the Square. We will be carrying out stakeholder and public engagement for feedback on potential options, following which, a detailed design of agreed actions and expected timescales will be produced.”
