A motorist was injured after a barrier at a Sandwell car park lifted his vehicle into the air. Calls have now been made for the system at Swan Pool to be shut.
Sandwell Council is investigating after paradmedics were called to the busy spot at around 5pm yesterday to reports of a man being hurt.
Councillor Ray Knock said the motorist was trying to leave the site in Forge Lane around 5pm when a hydraulic ram, which sits in the floor, came up out of the ground lifting the car and setting off the air bags.
The barrier is only supposed to be in operation after 9pm to ensure drivers cannot get into the car park but allows cars to exit via a sensor mechanism which lowers it into the ground.
Councillor Knock said: “I want this switched off immediately, and a full investigation launched.
“People were scared to leave the car park in case it happened to them.”
Other cars had to be diverted around the emergency exits instead.
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed it treated a man at the scene for a head injury caused by the activation of an air bag.
* Are you or do you know the driver injured? Call our reporters on 01902 319560.
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