A new, earlier date has been set for the next hearing to consider the interim injunction banning ‘street racing’, also known as ‘car cruising’, in the Black Country.
The case management hearing will now take place at 10.30am on Wednesday 4 October, 2023, at Birmingham District Registry, Civil Justice Centre, The Priory Courts, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham B4 6DS, before Her Honour Judge Kelly.
The hearing has been brought forward from the previously announced date in November due to the early availability of the court.
The interim injunction was allowed to continue by the High Court, with minor alterations, in May. It prohibits people from participating, as a driver, a rider or a passenger, in a gathering of two or more people at which some of those present engage in motor racing or motor stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.
The interim injunction covers the whole of the boroughs of Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton and anyone breaching it will be in contempt of court and could face penalties including imprisonment, a fine or an order to have their assets seized.
October’s hearing will consider firstly the effect of a pending decision in a Supreme Court case heard in February which, like the interim street racing injunction, is served against ‘persons unknown – if the decision has been handed down at this time.
It will also consider appropriate directions to take the street racing injunction application to a final hearing, or a further review hearing as the court deems fit.
A spokesperson for the application said: “We are pleased that the High Court saw fit to continue the street racing injunction at the last hearing in May, and it continues to have a very positive effect on preventing meets from occurring in our region.
"Street racing is noisy, dangerous and illegal and, as we have tragically seen, can result in death or serious injuries among drivers, passengers and spectators. The interim injunction provides a very strong deterrent to anyone thinking of taking part in this anti-social activity, and we look forward to returning to the High Court in October for a case management hearing.”
For more information, including details of full terms of the interim injunction with minor amendments and evidence in support of the application, please visit the street racing injunction pages of the applicants:
- Sandwell Council street racing webpage
- Dudley Council webpage
- Walsall Council webpage
- Wolverhampton Council webpage
Incidents of street racing should be reported online to the council or to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
The application was led by the City of Wolverhampton Council on behalf of Sandwell Council, Dudley Council and Walsall Council, and supported by West Midlands Police.