The High Court has granted a temporary injunction banning ‘street racing’, also known as ‘car cruising’, across 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 is in place throughout 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. The interim injunction, which is served against ‘persons unknown’, was granted by The Honourable Mrs Justice Hill last Wednesday. 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."

There will be a further High Court hearing early next year to consider whether the interim injunction should remain in force or be amended. At the hearing, the Black Country councils will seek to extend the terms of the injunction so that it also forbids people from promoting, organising or publicising a street racing event, or from being a spectator at such an event.

For more information, including details of full terms of the interim injunction and evidence in support of the application, please visit the Dudley Council website.

Incidents of street racing should be reported to West Midlands Police on 101 or, in an emergency, always dial 999.