Street racing injunction to be reviewed by High Court

The High Court will next week conduct a review hearing of an injunction banning street racing in the Black Country.

The final injunction prohibits people from participating as a driver, rider or passenger, in a gathering of two or more people where some of those present engage in car racing, vehicular stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.

It was granted in February 2024 following an application by the City of Wolverhampton Council on behalf of Dudley Council, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council and supported by West Midlands Police.

The injunction also applies to organisers and spectators, prohibiting people from promoting, organising or publicising gatherings, or from participating in a gathering as a spectator with the intention or expectation that some of those present will engage in street racing.

According to Wolverhampton, numerous street racers have received civil penalties consisting of fines and suspended prison sentences for breaching the street racing injunction.

The injunction and power of arrest will remain in force until at least 2027 subject to annual review, with the next hearing scheduled to take place on 26 February 2025, at 10.30am at the High Court.

Cllr Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Digital and Community, said: "Street racing is anti-social and highly dangerous – and has led to a number of incidents across the Black Country which have, tragically, caused fatalities and serious injuries.

"The injunction continues to have a positive effect on reducing instances of street racing, and we've seen the High Court hand down a series of jail sentences over the last few months which ought to prove a strong deterrent to anyone thinking of engaging in this irresponsible activity."

Adam Carey