County council and police force secure injunction against "car cruises"

A county council and a local police force have successfully obtained an extended injunction forbidding people from participating in so-called “car cruises” at a designated location.

Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire Police sought the injunction at the High Court in Birmingham under s. 222 Local Government Act 1972, Section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 and section 130 of the Highways Act 1980.

Judge McKenna’s order forbids people from participating in car cruises (including motorcycles) at the location, which includes the Hams Hall industrial site, surrounding roads and Bassetts Pole.

The injunction identifies a range of activities. These include: driving in convoy; racing; performing stunts; dropping litter; playing loud music; and causing danger to other road users.

Individuals in breach of the injunction could be guilty of contempt of court and may be imprisoned.

The new injunction replaces an injunction that ran out in August, and extends both the location and timescale covered.

Inspector Patrick Devereux of Warwickshire Police said: “The activities of the boy racers and spectators at these events have had a serious negative impact on the lives of residents, have caused danger and inconvenience to businesses and put participants in danger.

"I am very pleased that His Honour Judge McKenna has seen fit to grant us this further injunction as it will assist us in stopping these illegal events. We will continue to use other police powers and enforcement methods for as long as is necessary although our long term objective is to work with partners in reaching an engineering solution."