Fighting the Fakes: The battle against AI disinformation
The Electoral Commission has launched a deepfake detection pilot ahead of May's elections. LocalGov's editor William Eichler finds out how it works.
Highways: Birmingham traders see red over tough traffic restrictions
Red route traffic restrictions on the Stratford Road in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, are having a ‘devastating’ effect on businesses, a new report reveals.
But, similar red route restrictions have been hailed a success further along the same road in Shirley, according to the study by Aston Business School and Birmingham City University. The scheme, introduced in April, means parking is not allowed at any time, and loading is severely limited.
Based on a survey of 110 businesses in the red route area, the report found that 88% of respondents felt the red route had caused a loss of customers due to the lack of parking. However, in suburban Shirley the restrictions were not having such an adverse effect because ‘there is more space for parking, including three dedicated car parks’, according to Dr Jonathan Scott of Aston University.
The report also criticises Birmingham City Council for the lack of consultation with affected businesses.
