The interim injunction banning ‘street racing’, also known as ‘car cruising’, prohibits people from participating, as a driver, a rider or a passenger, in a gathering of 2 or more people at which some of those present engage in motor racing or motor stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.
It came into effect in December 2022 and was ordered to continue by the High Court at a hearing on 19 May, 2023. 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 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.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “People who are thinking of taking part in street racing or car cruising should be under no illusions as to the penalties they may face.
“Breaching the interim injunction in place across the Black Country would be contempt of court, which is a very serious offence.
“As such, individuals could face up to 2 years’ in jail, an unlimited fine or have assets, such as their vehicle, seized.
“In addition, a power of arrest applies to the interim injunction. This gives police the power to arrest suspects and bring them before the court, in as little as 24 hours, to answer allegations that they have breached the injunction, so any potential breaches can be dealt with very swiftly indeed.
“These are stiff punishments which we hope will prove a deterrent to would be street racers or car cruisers and therefore help keep our region’s streets free of this anti social and dangerous behaviour.”
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:
High Court grants order banning street racing in the Black Country
Black Country street racing injunction
Street racing
Car cruising injunction
Incidents of street racing should be reported via asbu@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk or to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
