Dangerous driving documentary made due to 'fear'

A documentary maker has created a film that highlights the personal stories behind car-related violence on Birmingham's roads.

Journalist Sarah Chaundler, who is behind City of Cars, said she decided to make the film "out of fear and frustration".

The documentary features the family of Mayar Yahia, a four-year-old girl who was killed by a car in Birmingham last year.

Speaking at the premiere held at The Mockingbird Cinema on Thursday, Ms Chaundler said: "I have my own children and I felt very unsafe as we moved around the city."

The film's release also comes one year after a city-wide road safety emergency was declared by Birmingham City Council.

The journalist added: "I saw drivers, and I still do, on mobile phones, drivers jumping red lights, drivers speeding with just no thought of who was on the pavement.

"And I was frustrated because I didn't see enough was being done."

Ms Chaundler said she hoped her film would bring "change" and for Birmingham to "get to grips" with road safety.

Also speaking at the premiere was Mat MacDonald, the road safety commissioner for the West Midlands Combined Authority.

He said: "I think this is an absolutely phenomenal film and what it does is tell stories that would otherwise be swept under the carpet."

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.