'Effective' Black Country street racing ban continuing after seven people punished for breaches

At a review hearing Mr Justice Ritchie said the order was proving to be "very effective" and gave the green light for the continuation of the three-year injunction with minor amendments to the wording after hearing evidence from the four claimant councils that there was a "pressing need for" it.

Wolverhampton' Council's anti social behaviour team leader Pardip Nagra told the court that the injunction had reduced racing and led to seven people being found in contempt of court following committal applications for breaching it in the last 13 months.

The injunction led by Wolverhampton Council on behalf of Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall in partnership with West Midlands Police prohibits participation as a driver, rider or passenger in street racing; and prohibits promoting, organising or publicising gatherings; or participating as a spectator.

It covers the whole of the four boroughs and anyone found to be breaching it will be in contempt of court and may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized. They may also be ordered to pay the council's legal costs of any hearing.

 The High Court in Birmingham originally granted the full and final injunction in February last year with the injunction and power of arrest remaining in force until at least 2027 subject to an annual review which was heard on Wednesday(26).

Pc Mark Campbell, of West Midlands Police’s Operation Hercules which is a  tactical response to street racing, told the hearing there had been a 38 per cent decrease in complaints between 2023 and 2024.

 Mr Justice Ritchie said: "Street racing involves speeding, loud noise, convoys, racing, stunts and obstructions. I find that the order has been very effective in protecting the public, catching criminals, bringing them before the court quickly, and giving them a punishment which seems to be working.

 "This action has probably saved lives and very probably prevented injuries - and the councils and police should be congratulated on doing it."

 He added that the injunction will remain in place in its current form until the revised order comes into effect in the coming weeks.

 Speaking on behalf of the four councils, Wolverhampton's community boss Councillor Obaida Ahmed said: "We very much welcome the High Court's decision to allow the street racing injunction to continue.

 "The court was presented with a wealth of evidence about the impact that the injunction has had, not only in bringing the perpetrators of street racing to justice but in preventing meets from occurring in the first place, and we hope it will continue to restrain this anti-social and dangerous activity across the Black Country."

The ban was brought into force after a series of serious and fatal crashes on the regions roads and due to complainants about noise and antisocial behaviour.

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.