West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC has backed tougher national measures to improve road safety and reduce the number of young people killed or seriously injured on UK roads.

The PCC supports the introduction of a Progressive Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme to reduce the risks associated with inexperienced and young drivers.

In his submission to UK Government, the PCC calls for 👇

🚘 A mandatory minimum six-month learning period before learner drivers can take their practical driving test

🚘 A minimum number of supervised driving hours to ensure learners gain meaningful experience in different road, traffic and weather conditions

🚘 Mandatory e-learning modules to strengthen road safety knowledge and awareness

🚘 Consideration of late-night driving restrictions for newly qualified drivers during high-risk hours

🚘 Passenger restrictions for young drivers in the first months after passing their test, reflecting evidence that collision risks increase with similar-aged passengers

🚘 Greater consideration of vehicle tracking or black box technology to encourage safe and lawful driving behaviour

The PCC’s response also highlights measures being introduced in Northern Ireland, where a six-month minimum learning period and additional safeguards for new drivers are being implemented.

How do you feel about the introduction of a Progressive Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme? 🤔

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster PCC, says people who are violent during the FIFA World Cup can expect to be brought to justice and to be held to account for their actions.

Major football tournaments bring widespread excitement for many, but data highlights a dark side to international matches. Research indicates a horrifying 26% increase in domestic abuse reports when the England football team wins or draws, spiking to a 38% increase if the team loses.

Alcohol consumption and heightened emotions during the tournament are thought to increase the likelihood of violence.

Simon Foster has reaffirmed that tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) always has been and always will be a top priority for the West Midlands region.

Working in close partnership, the PCC and his Victims’ Advocate, Natalie Queiroz MBE, are focused on strengthening support systems and ensuring the voices of survivors directly inform local policing strategy.

🗣 "Let me be crystal clear: football does not cause domestic abuse, but it acts as a catalyst for existing abusive behaviours. There is absolutely no excuse for abuse, win, lose, or draw or in any circumstances whatsoever.

"Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls is a top priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Every individual has the fundamental right to live free from fear, intimidation, and violence whether within their own home or otherwise. We know that major sporting tournaments bring increased tension and alcohol consumption, which can lead to increases in domestic abuse.

"I am fully backing the ‘No Excuse for Abuse’ campaign alongside my Victims' Advocate, Natalie Queiroz MBE, because we must highlight this issue as matches are played.

"We are working tirelessly to ensure victims are protected and perpetrators will be brought to justice and held to account for their actions. My message to anyone suffering in silence is simple: you are not alone, support is available, and we will stand by you."

💜 PCC Simon Foster joined members of Road to Change who were taking part in a walk and talk event to remember victims of tragedy on the roads.

The event, which sees participants walk from Kings Norton to Birmingham Cathedral, also featured a vigil to remember those lost or lives forever changed through road traffic collisions.

The PCC has tackling road deaths and serious injuries as one of his top priorities in office.

A message from West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster PCC 🗣

Rebuilding community policing is at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029. This week, I recognise and thank the dedicated neighbourhood policing teams across the West Midlands who work tirelessly every day to keep people, families, businesses and communities safe and secure 🔒 ✅

From Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June, West Midlands Police is joining forces across the country to mark the National Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action.

Neighbourhood policing is about far more than what people see day-to-day. Behind the scenes, officers, PCSOs, staff, volunteers and community partners work together to prevent crime, tackle local concerns and build safer, stronger communities 💪

Throughout the week, West Midlands Police will be highlighting examples of how neighbourhood teams are identifying and solving problems early, working closely with local residents and partners to address the issues that matter most to communities.

The week will also showcase the vital role played by local authorities, housing providers and community organisations in supporting neighbourhood policing and helping to make our communities safer.

Please join me in thanking our neighbourhood officers, PCSOs, staff, volunteers and partners for all that they do 👏

Follow throughout the week to learn more about their work and how you can stay informed about policing in your area.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “These four impressive recipients have dedicated their careers to serving the public and their honours are well and truly deserved.

“By bringing their individual passions and strengths to their work, Kim, Mike, Georgina and Vincent have made long-lasting contributions to their communities. I commend, congratulate and thank them all, for their service and for putting the people of the West Midlands first in all they do.”

Our Victims' Advocate Natalie Queiroz was on hand to welcome the new Victims and VAWG Minister Catherine Atkinson to Black Country Women's Aid

The Minister spent time talking through key victim-related issues with the Victim's Advocate and BCWA CEO Sara Warde, while also enjoying a tour of the services and meeting with clients to hear first hand of the support they provide.

BCWA supports male and female victims of domestic abuse, victims of serious sexual assault and r**e, stalking victims, victims of modern slavery and women in the criminal justice system to name just a few.

PCC Simon Foster and the Victims' Advocate proudly support its work in helping victims.

A fantastic evening celebrating our incredible StreetWatch heroes! 🌟

Simon Foster PCC was delighted to host the StreetWatch Stars Awards at Tally Ho! alongside West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Parsons to recognise the outstanding volunteers keeping our streets safe.

We now have 848 members across 128 groups in the West Midlands deterring crime and building safer neighbourhoods.

🙌 Want to make a difference? All it takes is just 2 hours a month to protect your local community.

👉 Sign up and volunteer today: https://shorturl.at/ummkS

Do you know a local campaign or project making waves in the West Midlands? We need your nominations! ✍ 🤩

From tackling road safety and raising mental health awareness to anti-violence initiatives engaging young people, we want to celebrate the projects that drive real change.

If a local campaign has inspired you, helped others, or made our streets safer, please give them the recognition they deserve! 👏

🏆 Outstanding Campaign Award
🗓️ Deadline: 11:59pm on Friday, 3rd July 2026
👉 Nominate here: https://shorturl.at/XzEDF

Let’s give our local changemakers the spotlight they deserve. Please tag, share, and nominate today!

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC is urging football fans to plan ahead and never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol as the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway this week (June 11).

With many matches taking place in the evening and early hours of the morning UK time, the Commissioner is reminding motorists that drink driving remains one of the biggest causes of people being killed and seriously injured on our roads and that there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume before driving 🍺 🍷 🚫

The warning comes as pubs, clubs and venues across the region prepare to welcome supporters watching matches throughout the tournament.

Simon Foster has consistently backed tougher action against drink driving and has called for an easily understood and straightforward zero-tolerance legal alcohol limit for drivers in England and Wales, alongside stronger penalties for dangerous driving offences.

The Commissioner said: “Millions of people across the country will be enjoying the World Cup with family and friends over the coming weeks. Whether you are watching a match in the evening, staying up late or heading out to a pub to support your team, my message is simple: if you drink, don’t drive. 🚘 ❌

“One poor decision can destroy lives forever. Drink driving kills and seriously injures innocent people every year and it is entirely preventable.

“There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Plan your journey home in advance, use public transport, book a taxi, arrange a lift with a designated driver or stay where you are.

“I continue to support a zero-tolerance approach to drink driving and tougher penalties for dangerous drivers. Those who choose to break the law and put other people’s lives at risk must face serious consequences.”

Road safety is a key priority in the Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029. The Commissioner is working with West Midlands Police and partners to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the region’s roads, tackle dangerous driving and illegal street racing and improve safety for all road users.