People and communities
High Court continues interim Black Country street racing ban
Published on
The interim injunction banning ‘street racing’, also known as ‘car cruising’, in the Black Country has been extended by the High Court, with minor alterations, at a hearing on Friday 19 May 2023.
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 and power of arrest were initially granted by the Honourable Mrs Justice Hill in December, continued by the Honourable Mr Justice Freedman in February and reviewed and continued by The Honourable Mr Justice Ritchie at the High Court in Birmingham on Friday, with minor amendments to both the injunction and power of arrest.
The injunction remains interim at this stage, pending a judgment from the Supreme Court which is currently considering a similar injunction served against persons unknown, which may have a bearing on the Black Country case. In the meantime, there will be a further case management hearing later this year.
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.
“ We are pleased that the High Court has seen fit to continue the street racing injunction, which is certainly having an effect on preventing meets from occurring in our region.
Street racing is noisy, dangerous and illegal and, as we have tragically seen in the last 12 months, can result in death or serious injuries among drivers, passengers and spectators. This interim injunction provides a very strong deterrent to anyone thinking of taking part in this anti-social activity. “
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: www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/street-racing-injunction, https://go.walsall.gov.uk/black_country_car_cruising_injunction, www.sandwell.gov.uk/streetracing, or www.dudley.gov.uk/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.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1/ For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Paul Brown, Communications Manager, on 01902 555497 or email paul.brown@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
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