Britain’s first Road Safety Commissioner demands tougher penalties as Birmingham reels from two deadly collisions in 48 hours

 In the wake of two fatal road incidents within 48 hours, Britain’s first Road Safety Commissioner, Mat MacDonald, is calling for harsher penalties, including extended driving bans, for motorists involved in deadly crashes.

On Sunday, February 9, a man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle on Audley Road in Stechford at approximately 9:10 PM. Just two days later, another fatal collision occurred on Stratford Road in Hall Green, killing a Honda driver in his 50s. Two young men, aged 18 and 19, later surrendered to authorities and were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Meanwhile, the driver responsible for the Stechford hit-and-run remains at large.

Speaking at the scene of the Stechford tragedy, MacDonald expressed his outrage. “If someone causes death on our roads by completely disregarding safety, I see no justifiable reason why they should ever be allowed back behind the wheel,” he said.

A City Plagued by Reckless Driving

The recent tragedies are part of a growing crisis in Birmingham, where residents have long voiced concerns about dangerous driving. Stratford Road locals likened their neighbourhood to a “racetrack,” while Stechford residents, including Amjid Afzal of Flaxley Road, have reported reckless speeding to the police and council for years.

“I see cars overtaking two at a time, and the next thing you hear is a big bang and sirens,” Afzal said. “People have been warning about this for years, and yet nothing changes.”

Demand for Stricter Enforcement

MacDonald is pushing for stronger enforcement measures, including significant investments in road safety. “We need bold, decisive action,” he insisted. “Too many cars, too much speed – we need interventions that prioritise public safety.”

One local headteacher in Stechford is reportedly so concerned about student safety that they personally supervise children crossing the road each morning.

“The trauma of these incidents spreads far beyond those immediately involved,” MacDonald added. “These are sudden, violent deaths in public spaces, often witnessed by many. We must act now to prevent more lives from being lost.”

What’s Next?

Authorities continue to investigate the recent fatalities, with efforts underway to track down the driver responsible for the Stechford hit-and-run. Meanwhile, road safety campaigners and local leaders are urging the government to implement stricter penalties for dangerous drivers.

MacDonald remains resolute: “People deserve to feel safe on their own streets. We need real change before more families are shattered by preventable tragedies.