Smithfield

The wording in the key of the map, matches the signs you will see during Games time, but this is what they really mean for you:​

Road Closed: For safety and security reasons, some sections of roads will be closed completely, meaning no vehicle access will be able to pass.

No Stopping: Vehicles must not stop on the road to wait, load, unload or board and alight passengers.

Permit Access Only: Protected by a vehicle permit checkpoint (VPC), only permit holders displaying the permit on their windscreen will be allowed to pass. These permits will be free and issued by your Local Authority, Birmingham City Council.

Controlled Parking: To protect residential roads from spectator parking during events; waiting, loading and parking restrictions will be in place. This means if you live on a controlled parking road you will need a permit to park on the road. These permits will be free and will be issued by your Local Authority, Birmingham City Council. You will need to display this permit on your windscreen when parking on-street to avoid a fine.

Venue Load Zone: Drop off and pick up points for dedicated Games buses.

Vehicle Permit Checkpoint: You will need to show a permit to drive past a vehicle permit checkpoint (VPC) and access the road.

Secure Zone: These areas will have restricted access throughout the Games, they will only be accessible by authorised pass holders or ticket holders on an event day.

Accessible Parking: These are designated parking areas for blue-badge holders.

One-way Traffic: Vehicles will only be able to travel in one direction on these roads.

These measures will be in place from 28 July until 8 August.

Permits are free and will be issued by your local authority. Residents and businesses in Birmingham will be required to apply for a permit via an online application. Only properties with an eligible postcode will be able to apply, and Birmingham City Council will already have written to you.

If you haven't already applied, you can do so:

• Online by visiting birmingham.gov.uk
• In person: Members of the 'Get Set For The Games' team can assist you at the community drop-in sessions in the run up to the Games. A list of upcoming Get Set sessions can be found here.
• By phone (reserved for those who require assistance): If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, you can phone the contact centre who will help you apply, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM, on 0121 303 7616.

It is unlikely that your waste collection timetable will change during the Games. If there are any adjustments, details will be updated on the Birmingham City Council website.

Businesses in the areas surrounding the venues or within the road closures should speak to their commercial waste provider about the potential for disruption to their collection services during this time.

Any delivery driver or service provider trying to pass a vehicle permit checkpoint will need to provide proof of manifest/order confirmation to the address they are travelling to, along with their personal company ID.

Pedestrian and cycling access will be unrestricted on most roads giving free access to the area. Additionally, there will be designated walking routes for spectators travelling to the venue.

Residents who receive essential council services, such as assisted care, will continue to do so throughout the Games period. Suitable documentation and ID will need to be presented to travel past a vehicle permit checkpoint.

Essential visitors, such as non-registered carers, will need a permit to travel past a vehicle permit checkpoint. These permits will need to be applied for from the address the visitor is attending.

If you are expecting visitors, please make them aware of the restrictions.

All emergency services are working to ensure that normal services continue during the event period. Access within the restricted areas for emergency services will continue as normal.

In an emergency – call 999 for help with urgent and life-threatening conditions.

Non-emergency – call GPs for urgent, but not-emergency medical care.

Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for advice when GP surgeries are closed.

The team will be out in your local area over the next few months to answer any questions you may have and support where possible.

To find events in your area click here.