A34 Stratford Road, Shirley: a learner's guide

If you're taking your test at Shirley, the A34 Stratford Road is the road you need to master. In one public collection of 15 Shirley test routes, 13 used it. It changes character every few hundred metres — shopping street, 40mph dual carriageway, roundabouts, red route — and it's watched by cameras.

Speed limits and average speed cameras

Average speed cameras went live on 16 January 2023 on the 40mph section of the A34 between the B4102 Marshall Lake Road junction and M42 junction 4, replacing older fixed cameras. West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner said the stretch "continues to have a high road traffic collision rate". Closer to the shops, parts of the A34 are 30mph. The change between 30 and 40 is the single most common speed mistake we correct on this road: you must be at the new limit by the sign, not accelerating towards it.

Red route: no stopping

Red-route restrictions apply along the A34, and a red-route clearway was proposed in 2021 for the whole of Dog Kennel Lane (40mph, "busy but relatively narrow, traffic sensitive"). On test, if the examiner asks you to pull up on the left, never choose a red-route section — find a side road or a legal bay.

The U-turn camera at Richard Lewis Way

From 1 June 2026, a moving-traffic enforcement camera at the A34 / Richard Lewis Way junction catches drivers making the banned U-turn, with warning letters for first offences during the first six months. Following a sat-nav during independent driving? If you miss a turn, carry on and let it re-route — never U-turn where it's banned.

Blackford Road roundabout

In Solihull Council's ranking of collision sites (2016–18 data), the A34 Stratford Road / Blackford Road roundabout was second worst in the borough, with excessive speed on the A34 a contributory factor. Approach it slowly enough to judge traffic coming from your right, and be in the right lane early.

M42 junction 4 — Monkspath Interchange

Junction 4 links the A34 with the A3400 towards Hockley Heath and Henley-in-Arden. It opened in 1976 and was later remodelled to give direct access to Blythe Valley Park. Learners won't go onto the M42 on a test, but you'll meet traffic joining and leaving the motorway at speed.

Roadworks in 2026

The A34 had several overnight closures in 2026 for resurfacing — for example, northbound between Cranmore Boulevard and Blackford Road in February, diverted via Dog Kennel Lane and Blackford Road. Expect temporary lights and diversions from time to time.

How we teach the A34

1. Quiet hours first

   Sunday mornings or mid-morning, to learn lane positions and limit changes.

2. Bus stops and side roads

   Anticipating buses pulling out and cars emerging from retail parks.

3. Rush hour

   Once you're confident, at the time of day of your test.

Checked October 2026 — roadworks and temporary limits change often; always obey the signs on the day.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• West Midlands PCC — average speed cameras on the A34 in Solihull
• Solihull Council — moving traffic enforcement
• Solihull Council — moving traffic enforcement gears up (2026)
• Solihull Council — Dog Kennel Lane red route proposal (2021)
• Solihull Council — ranked collision sites (2016–18 data)
• roads.org.uk — M42 junction 4 (Monkspath Interchange)
• Solihull Council — A34 Stratford Road closure notice, Feb 2026

Published by SQ Driving School, a brand owned and managed by DriveSQ. Checked on 16 October 2026. Rules, fees and test centres change — always confirm on GOV.UK before you book.