Dozens turn out for Soho Road safety protest
The demonstration was held two weeks after the death of 31-year-old Hizar Hanif in a collision.
Last updated 3rd Mar 2024
Dozens of people have joined a road safety protest in Birmingham, two weeks on from a fatal crash in Handsworth.
31-year-old Hizar Hanif was killed when an Audi ploughed into his car, and several others on Soho Road in Handsworth on February 18.
A woman was also seriously injured in the collision.
A demonstration organised by Better Streets for Birmingham, the Soho BID and the Soho and Handsworth Neighbourhood Planning Forum, was held outside Handsworth Library on Sunday, as communities call for action to make the city's streets safer.
A minute's silence was also held in memory of father-of-one Hizar Hanif, who has been described as "truly one of a kind" by his family.
'No more deaths'
During the demonstration, protestors held placards which said "No more deaths", and a number of drivers on Soho Road honked in support.
Matt MacDonald is co-chair of Better Streets for Birmingham and said: "We're all coming together to start a conversation about how these streets might be made safer for everyone who uses them, in order to prevent a tragedy like this happening ever again."
Sharanjeet Singh, from the Soho and Handsworth Neighbourhood Forum said: "The impact it's made on the community, it's reignited and instilled a sense of fear locally.
"People are scared to walk, people are scared to be on the road, to drive in the area. Ultimately, people are fearful for what might happen and fear does not lead itself to communities that can thrive."
West Midlands Police said patrols had been carried out in Handsworth, including on Soho Road, on Wednesday.
Police investigation ongoing
Following the collision on Soho Road a fortnight ago, a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He has since been released under police investigation.
West Midlands Police has referred itself to the watchdog over how they dealt with calls made to them on the day before the crash, February 17.
The IOPC will examine whether 'opportunities were missed to prevent what happened the following day'.