The injunction, granted in February, 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 also prohibits people from promoting, organising or publicising gatherings, or from participating in a gathering as a spectator with the intention or expectation that some of those present will engage in street racing.
The injunction 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.
In addition, police are now contacting companies which insure the vehicles of anyone who is found guilty of breaching the injunction, potentially leading to street racers facing higher premiums or difficulty in obtaining insurance.
Det Con Mark Campbell from Operation Hercules, West Midlands Police’s tactical response to street racing, said: “Insurance companies are not automatically notified about the breach of civil injunctions and they cannot be endorsed with points, so this is why we have made the decision to proactively notify insurance companies about the injunction breaches.
"We simply won’t tolerate illegal street racing on the region’s roads and will take action against motorists who flout the law and put other road users at risk. People have been killed and seriously injured at these types of events in the past and our ultimate aim is to keep people safe.
“We work closely with our partners on a range of tactics to identify, disrupt and enforce against those taking part or observing. Our priority is keeping the roads safe for all.”
The application for the High Court injunction was led by the City of Wolverhampton Council on behalf of Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall councils, and supported by West Midlands Police.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: "The injunction is playing a hugely important role in tackling the menace of street racing across the Black Country.
"People should be under no illusions as to the penalties they may face if they are to breach the injunction, which range from a fine or having their vehicle seized to jail time. And I am pleased that the authorities are now also proactively informing culprits’ insurance companies of any convictions, which should act as an added deterrent."
For more information about the injunction, please visit the street racing pages of the applicants – Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell or Dudley.
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.
