Birmingham granted injunction to ban street cruising

Birmingham City Council has been granted a High Court order to ban ‘street cruising’, after its application was heard at the Royal Courts of Justice.

The interim injunction will come into force on the 24 December, and will prohibit drivers, riders or passengers participating in a street cruise anywhere in Birmingham.

Any driver or rider or passenger breaching the order could be arrested immediately, and could face up to two years in prison, a fine, or have their assets seized.

Street cruising is when two or more motor vehicles drive together on a public road for recreational purposes posing a possible danger to other road users.

The court also granted an application led by Wolverhampton City Council on behalf of local authorities in the Black Country.

Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “Street cruising is dangerous as well as being a nuisance for law-abiding citizens.

“By working with our partners at the police on applying for this injunction, we have shown we understand and share the continued concerns raised by many residents, about this anti-social and life-threatening behaviour.

“Past court action shows that we won’t hesitate to ensure justice is served upon offenders, who have no excuse for their actions. There are plenty of lawful ways to exhibit and demonstrate their vehicles – but our roads are not the place for it.”

Although the application for the order has been made by Birmingham City Council Community Safety Team, officers from West Midlands Police will be responsible for its enforcement.

The Birmingham High Court will consider the case again on a date in February 2023.

Lottie Winson