Parking signs in Digbeth have been blacked out with spray paint for months. Birmingham City Council confirmed traffic wardens avoid issuing tickets in some cases
A UK council could be missing out on a hefty sum as drivers park without paying due to obscured traffic signs in Digbeth, which have been spray-painted by vandals.
The defaced signs on streets like Bordesley Street and Upper Trinity Street mean that traffic wardens are hesitant to issue fines, as motorists can’t discern the parking restrictions.
Local activist Gerry Moynihan has voiced his concerns, stating: “I’ve been reporting [this issue] to the council for several years.”
He added, “Wardens won’t issue tickets, so parking is free. I’m frustrated at the council’s inaction and subsequent loss of revenue.”
BirminghamLive was informed by the Birmingham City Council that they are aware of the issue with signs being “spray-painted black” and that enforcement officers take into account the “legibility” of signs before issuing penalties. Google Street View evidence suggests the problem existed before summer 2024.
Moynihan also highlighted the inefficiency of traffic wardens patrolling areas where they can’t enforce regulations, saying: “I spoke to enforcement officers and they told me they don’t issue tickets as they will only be reversed on appeal. About 100 parking spaces free. Loss of £300,000 per year? “, reports Birmingham Live.
A council spokesperson has shed light on the parking sign debacle, revealing: “We’re aware signs are being spray-painted black so motorists are unable to see what parking restrictions are in place. Enforcement officers assess the legibility of signage when issuing Penalty Charge Notices.”
They added, “If a sign is no longer legible, then this fails to meet the legal requirement for indicating the restriction to the motorist; in such instances, enforcement officers cannot issue a Penalty Charge Notice. Any damaged or defaced signage is reported to a maintenance team who will clean or replace signage as necessary.”
