Mayor Andy Street announces summit after cyclist deaths

A summit is set to be held in Birmingham to discuss measures to tackle bad driving after a spate of road deaths in the city.

Four people, including two children, have been killed in separate collisions within the space of a month - all were either pedestrians or cyclists.

Addressing residents, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said the city needed to be tougher on bad driving.

He said police would reveal their enforcement plans soon at a summit.

Husband-to-be Hussien Nur Teklise, 45, died when he was struck on Belgrave Middleway on 16 May.

Another cyclist in his 40s was killed on Chester Road in the Erdington area on 31 May.

On 18 June hundreds of people attended a rally in Kings Heath against dangerous driving after a schoolboy and a woman were left seriously hurt when they were struck by a car at a pedestrian crossing on the High Street.

In light of recent deaths and serious injuries, Mr Street was questioned by the Better Streets for Birmingham campaign group at the Moseley Forum residents meeting on Tuesday.

Sarah Chaundler, from the group, said she asked what he was doing about the issue of dangerous driving.

The mayor said: "There will be a summit... very shortly, which will include myself, our cycling and walking commissioner [Adam Tranter], the chief constable.

"He will announce then what he is doing for resourcing around the enforcement issues."

Mr Tranter has said he had met with police this month to highlight "ongoing unacceptable road violence".

The cycling commissioner, who is employed by the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: "We have to turn the tide on aggressive driving in Birmingham."

Insp Tom Bowman from West Midlands Police urged all motorists to prioritise road safety, obey speed limits, and remain vigilant while driving.

He said: "Your actions can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and protecting lives.

"By actively patrolling key areas, our officers aim to raise awareness, enforce speed limits and protect our communities from the dangers of excessive speed and other road harm issues.

"As the summer season approaches, we are intensifying our efforts and conducting more operations across the region."

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