Road where four-year-old died to be pedestrianised

The parents of a four-year-old girl who was killed after being hit by a car have welcomed a commitment to pedestrianise a section of the road where she died.

Mayar Yahia was knocked down in April 2024 on Upper Highgate Street, Birmingham, as she walked home from Eid celebrations with her mother and three siblings.

She died at the scene, despite the efforts of paramedics. Two other people were hurt, including Mayar's mother Sara Salih.

Her father Babiker Yahia said: "We have felt there has been a slow reaction to all these problems but it is changing for the better."

He added: "The driving attitude in Birmingham is completely different from the rest of the country and everybody knows. Why is this? That's the question they must answer."

Following a local road safety campaign, led by the family, Birmingham City Council said it would fund a pedestrianisation scheme.

It will prevent traffic from accessing a section of Upper Highgate Street near New Hope Community Park.

The BBC understands preparations to start the work are already under way.

Hundreds of people, including members of the Sudanese community around the UK, attended the four-year-old's burial last year, leaving her family amazed by the outpouring of support they received.

"We are so grateful for the love we have been shown, especially from the children's school", said Ms Salih, who has recovered from serious leg injuries sustained in the collision.

"We are always talking amongst parents about road safety for our kids, and what we must do next. We don't feel comfortable because the road is busy across from the play park."

While showing us Mayar's school books and photographs, Ms Salih said she was desperately trying to keep her daughter's memory alive and she regularly shared stories of her with her three other children.

"She was so kind and loved her friends. She was always asking me 'how can I help Mum?' To cook, to clean. She was a good girl."

In July 2024, people gathered for a minute's silence in Highgate and young children made banners and pictures as the road was temporarily closed off.

The campaign group Better Streets for Birmingham joined them to call for urgent road safety measures amid a roads emergency being declared in the city.

Mr Yahia hopes that the pedestrianised area in Upper Highgate Street may come to be known locally as Mayar's Square.

"She was a lovely, clever girl and everyone in the area knew of Mayar, she was so friendly with people", Mr Yahia said.

Birmingham City Council said it was working with the family and local community to "provide a fitting tribute to Mayar by creating a safer, more pleasant environment for everyone".

Meanwhile, a man is due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 30 July.

Javonnie Tavener, 23, of no fixed address, has been charged with causing Mayar's death by careless driving, causing death while driving uninsured and two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving.

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