Black Country street racing ban extended

Police and councils say the ban is vital for people's safety

The ban on street racing in the Black Country has been extended following a hearing at the High Court.

An interim injunction, which prohibits car meets during which racing or stunts take place, will remain in place until further court hearings in February.

The order covers Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall, with anyone in breach facing imprisonment, a fine or an order to have their vehicles seized.

City of Wolverhampton Council will apply for a full injunction early next year.

The interim order, which a judge ruled could remain in force at a hearing on Wednesday, had been in place for about a year.

It applies to people participating as a driver, rider or passenger, in a gathering of two or more people who “engage in motor racing or motor stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving”.

Jasbir Jaspal, City of Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for adults and wellbeing, said she was pleased with the ruling.

"It has been in effect for a year and has achieved a substantial amount of success – both in helping to prevent instances of street racing from occurring in the first place, and in leading to the conviction of a number of individuals for contempt of court in recent months,” she added.

She said the authority continued to receive complaints about street racing across the region, including Overfield Drive and the Black Country Route in Bilston; Kenrick Way in West Bromwich; and Manor Way in Halesowen.

City of Wolverhampton Council's application for a permanent ban will be discussed at Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre on 27 and 28 February.