High Court agrees car cruising injunctions should remain in Black Country and Birmingham

Conducting the second annual reviews of the quasi-final injunctions and powers of arrest, Her Honour Judge Emma Kelly, sitting as a High Court judge, said she was satisfied in both cases that there had been no material changes to the facts, or any material legal developments, that warranted the discharge of injunctive protection or power of arrest.

She made minor amendments to the injunctions, which will come into force once certain steps relating to service are completed. They will remain in place until 27 February 2027 for Birmingham and 1 March 2027 for the Black Country.

HHJ Kelly’s ruling for the Black Country can be found here. Her ruling in the Birmingham case is here.

In both cases, HHJ Kelly said the compelling justification for the injunctions and powers of arrest remained.

She added that the updated evidence had established the injunctions and powers of arrest were having a deterrent effect, but that street cruising activity continued to be a problem.

HHJ Kelly said that to the extent that overall street cruising activity in both areas had reduced from that seen prior to injunctive relief being in place, it was “well established that evidence of that kind is not evidence that the risk has abated”.

The injunction for the Black Country area was sought by Wolverhampton City Council, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council.

Dudley Council, which had been involved in applying for the earlier injunction, decided not to participate, however. It is instead relying on a borough-wide public space protection order that came into force last month.

Commenting on the judgment, Wolverhampton City Council said: “The injunction covers the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall 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.”

In written evidence to the High Court, Pardip Nagra, Wolverhampton's Anti Social Behaviour Team Leader, said the information provided "clearly illustrates that street racing is still a very real issue within the Black Country and that the full injunction order should remain in place to provide reassurance to the public and to save lives".

PC Mark Campbell from Operation Hercules, West Midlands Police’s tactical response to street racing, also provided data showing "a massive decrease in the number of vehicles taking part in street racing" between April and November 2025.

He added: "I cannot overstate the benefit of the current injunction and the importance of renewing this injunction.

“The Black Country local authorities are seeing a huge drop in organised meets, however it is only a matter of time before we see the return of the car cruises, and the renewal of the injunction will allow officers from West Midlands Police to carry on the good work conducted over the last 12 months."

Speaking on behalf of Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall Councils, Cllr Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "Street racing has blighted local communities for far too long. Over more than a decade, the High Court injunction has proved to be a vital deterrent, helping reduce this dangerous and anti social behaviour and keep people safe.

“We welcome the court’s decision to allow the injunction to continue across Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall. The evidence shows it is working, and we will not hesitate to seek a further extension if it is needed to protect residents and save lives.”

Bimingham City Council has been approached for comment.