Professional beggars are working in organised shifts at one of Britain's busiest junctions, targeting drivers at 19 different sets of traffic lights in Walsall, West Midlands.
The notorious interchange near the town's historic Victorian Arboretum has earned the nickname "Beggars' Junction" due to the persistent presence of panhandlers.
The scroungers strategically position themselves at red lights, approaching stopped vehicles to ask motorists for money.
They are particularly active during morning and evening rush hours, operating in what appears to be coordinated shift patterns.
Local authorities have reported that these professional beggars are earning thousands of pounds by targeting kind-hearted drivers at the busy intersection
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Local authorities have reported that these professional beggars are earning thousands of pounds by targeting kind-hearted drivers at the busy intersection.
The systematic approach has raised concerns among residents and local officials, including Conservative councillor Gary Perry who has called for stricter rules to tackle the professional begging operation.
"While some beggars are genuine, the ones stationed at this junction have been witnessed doing a shift handover," he said.
Perry emphasised that these individuals are not homeless, saying: "They have places to live, and if any didn't, they would be offered accommodation by the council's street teams."
The councillor expressed concern about aggressive behaviour from some beggars at the junction.
"Sometimes they are threatening toward individuals who don't want to donate," he warned.
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The council is now working to implement a public space court order to ban these individuals from the junction.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisals, said: "I drive through the junction on my way to work and back again every day and these people know my face and my car," they said.
"I'm scared of what they might do if I refuse to pay so when they come to my window I just wind it down and hand over a few pounds."
The resident revealed they refer to it as the "Beggars' Junction toll booth" with friends.
Another driver, identified only as Andy, highlighted the financial scale of the operation, saying: "The problem is these gangs are making loads of money, probably thousands of pounds, just by knocking on drivers' windows."
Labour City Council leader Matt Ward acknowledged the widespread nature of the problem in Walsall, saying "It isn't just at the traffic lights, it's down the high street, in the shop doorways"
Google Street View
Labour City Council leader Matt Ward acknowledged the widespread nature of the problem in Walsall, saying "It isn't just at the traffic lights, it's down the high street, in the shop doorways."
Ward explained that while several Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) have been implemented this year, securing them is a complex process.
"Getting one isn't straight forward and can take up to six months to secure," he noted.
The council faces particular challenges with enforcement and boundary issues.
"You have to outline a boundary which the individuals can operate outside of. These individuals are working outside of the boundary. It's a very challenging issue," Ward explained.
The council is now appealing for public assistance, requesting photographic and video evidence of begging hot-spots to support future PSPO applications.
