Our local community in Handsworth is home to multiple families with young children, frequently using the various side roads to reach their local schools, We have many people who regularly dog walk and we have a sizable elderly comunity . Despite the residential nature of our streets - including Lound Road, Handsworth Avenue, Handsworth Crescent, Housestead Road, Clifton Crescent, Clifton Lane, Clifton Avenue, Willow Drive, Larch Hill, Hall Road, Maple Grove, Chestnut Avenue, Alder Lane,  we find ourselves besieged by speeding vehicles. These speeding vehicles, coupled with the volume of parked vehicles on our roads, have led to a number of near accidents. The fear this instills in our resident families is immense and unnecessary.

It's a recognized fact that slower traffic reduces the risk of road fatalities. A World Health Organization study found that a 5% cut in average speed can lead to a 30% reduction in the number of fatal road traffic crashes (source: WHO, 2008). By reducing the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph, we could significantly improve road safety in our streets and create a secure environment for our children and residents.

Although we are aware some people will ignore the new speed limit , the addition of speed bumps on the longer stretches of road will also be a way to slow down drivers .

We urge our local council to act in the interest of its residents and impose this crucial speed limit reduction. Please join us in our call for a safer neighborhood by adding your signature to this petition.