Birmingham’s hospitality businesses have benefited from significantly increased outdoor dining space, following the deployment of ATG Access’ Surface Guard system at a number of locations around Hurst Street. With many businesses struggling as a result of the restrictions placed on public venues by the government, Birmingham City Council was keen to make it possible for people to return to the city’s usually bustling bars and restaurants in a safe, socially distanced way.
It recognised that pedestrianising key areas would significantly increase capacity and enable venues to take advantage of the government’s pavement licence scheme. However, the council also wanted to keep the roads open to normal traffic between Monday and Friday to minimise disruption, while allowing bars and restaurants to use the carriageway for outside dining space at the weekend.
