Injunction granted to ban street cruising in Birmingham and the Black Country
The High Court granted the applications.
The interim injunction comes into force tomorrow (24 December) and prohibits drivers, riders or passengers participating in a street cruise anywhere in Birmingham and the Black Country.
Any driver or rider or passenger breaching the order could be arrested immediately, and could face up to two years in prison, a fine, or have their assets seized.
Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities at Birmingham City Council, said: “Street cruising is dangerous as well as being a nuisance for law-abiding citizens.
“By working with our partners at the police on applying for this injunction, we have shown we understand and share the continued concerns raised by many residents, about this anti-social and life-threatening behaviour.
“Past court action shows that we won’t hesitate to ensure justice is served upon offenders, who have no excuse for their actions. There are plenty of lawful ways to exhibit and demonstrate their vehicles – but our roads are not the place for it.”
Chief Superintendent Ian Green, from West Midlands Police, said: “We have been working jointly with all local authorities over the past few years and are determined to tackle dangerous and reckless driving which puts the safety of others and themselves at risk.
“Alongside our partners we do not tolerate illegal car gatherings due to the danger and nuisance they create to communities and the wider public going about their lives.
"We have officers dedicated to addressing the issue from both neighbourhood teams and specialist traffic resources, who are also working with the insurance industry and providing diversionary and educational courses.
“We will take every opportunity to intervene and enforce against this activity and this includes spectators and those organising or promoting these events.”
The Birmingham High Court will consider the case again on a date in February 2023.