The High Court has continued the interim injunction banning ‘street racing’, also known as ‘car cruising’, in the Black Country.
The interim injunction 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.
It covers the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall 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.
The interim injunction, which is served against ‘persons unknown’, was initially granted by The Honourable Mrs Justice Hill in December, and reviewed by The Honourable Mr Justice Freedman at the High Court in Birmingham on Monday (13 February 2023).
Highlighting the need for such an injunction, The Honourable Mr Justice Freedman referenced an incident in Oldbury last autumn which caused two deaths and which was "linked unequivocally to car cruising", along with other incidents causing harm in Stevenage, Warrington and Scunthorpe involving fatalities and life-changing injuries.
He permitted the original order to continue, with a further hearing to take place in May to consider whether the interim injunction should remain in force or be amended. This will be held on Monday 15 May 2023 at 10.30am at the Birmingham District Registry, Civil Justice Centre, The Priory Courts, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6DS.
The application was led by the City of Wolverhampton Council on behalf of Dudley Council, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council, and supported by West Midlands Police.
A spokesperson on behalf of the applicants said: “Street racing, also sometimes described as car cruising, is noisy, dangerous and illegal and some events have resulted in serious injuries and even death, as we tragically saw last autumn in Oldbury.
“We are pleased that the High Court has recognised the positive impact that the interim street racing injunction has had since its introduction in December, and has permitted it to remain in force.”
For more information, including details of full terms of the interim injunction and evidence in support of the application, please visit the street racing injunction pages of the applicants:
- Sandwell Council street racing injunction webpage
- Wolverhampton City Council street racing injunction webpage
- Walsall Council car cruising injunction webpage
- Dudley Council car cruising injunction 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.