Parking for test at Camp Hill - tips pls

[HappyRobot]

Hi there,
Anyone got any tips about where to park....will it be chocka? Should we get public transport from Solihull?
Any tips welcome.
Ta

[moseleymum]

There have been threads on this before, best to search, e.g
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 11&t=17449" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... =11&t=7985" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


We didn't have any problem when we were there two years ago.

[UmSusu]

We are taking the test at camp hill too. I would say it is possible to park in the surrounding streets and near kings heath park but you need to allow extra time to walk to the school. We don't live too far away so I will get DH to drive me to one of the side streets and I can take DS in - I think that is easier if possible as there is no need then to be too bothered about parking spaces near the school.

iirc, getting to the venues early is a good idea - we went early last year and there was no problem parking but by the time we left the roads leading up to the school were gridlocked. That would be a horrible start to the day

[DIY Mum]

No idea about public transport from Solihull but I'm sure some Silhillians will soon advise.

Thankfully, I live only 15 mins away and I intend to walk with dd2 across KH park.

You should be able to find parking on any of the side roads off Vicarge Rd. But if you really are stuck in finding a spot, you could try the Iceland car-park on Institute Rd and also, Asda's which is off the High Street on Poplar Rd (and is free).

It's only 5-10 minutes walk from there (up the High street and turn right at the lights to walk along Vic Rd). Make sure you leave home with plenty of time to spare.

[KE hopeful]

I live near Camp Hill and it amazes me each year how Vicarage Road is nearly at gridlock, and move one road away and you can hardly tell anything is going on. I would keep away from the terraced roads and head the other way from the school - Howard Road (people park on grass there which is fine), Hazelhurst Road, All Saints Road, Tenbury Road - these are larger more spacious roads and only 5 minutes walk from the school. You will have no problem parking there.

[HappyRobot]

Thanks for the tips.

[um]

It really isn't necessary to go all the way to Asda to park - that's still quite a significant walk, and, as has already been explained, you can park on Howard Road and the roads leading off it.

There's also a small car park at Kings Heath Park itself, although you should be able to park on Avenue Road, right alongside the park, anyway.

If you're coming from the south, you can also try the other side of the site - Cartland Road and Pineapple Road - as they should be quite clear and are still closer than trying to park by the Alcester Road shops.

If you want to take the bus from Solihull the no.76 stops on Avenue Road.

When both of my children have taken the tests, it has surprised me that (according to dh who has always been the one to take them) there so many panicked and late parents each time. Running at full pelt up the drive at exactly 8.59am is hardly the best way to start the examination.
Fortunately my dh has (unusually!) managed to be on time with the children. He parked almost opposite the school entrance on Colmore Road last time, but he was very early. They sat in the car for a while before it was time to walk in.

[DIY Mum]

Yes- you should find parking on neighbouring roads...car parks mentioned are a last resort.

I suppose Asda's parking is a bit of a distance if you're new to the area. Otherwise for locals (who manage double the distance on a daily basis through school runs etc) it is a quick walk.

But please avoid the car park at Kings Heath Park- it's tiny and last time we went for exam day (2 yrs ago), the car park entrance to KHP was blocked. Forget motorists, it was awkward enough for pedestrians to pass through.