THE High Court has granted a full and final injunction banning street racing, also known as car cruising, across the Black Country.

It prohibits people from participating, as a driver, a rider or a passenger, in a gathering of two or more people at which some of those present engage in motor racing or motor stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.

Unlike the interim injunction, which has been in place since 2022, the full injunction also covers organisers and spectators, banning 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.

The injunction covers the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Walsall and anyone breaching it will be in contempt of court and could face penalties including imprisonment, a fine, or an order to have their assets seized.

Granting the final injunction at the High Court in Birmingham on Tuesday February 27, Mr Justice Julian Knowles said: "Car cruising is a euphemism; it's organised dangerous driving and there have sadly been injuries and fatalities."

PC Mark Campbell, from the Operation Hercules team - West Midlands Police’s tactical response to street racing, described the injunction as "highly valuable and a tried and tested means of prevention and resolution".

He told the court: "It is only a matter of time before the high speed driving involved in organised races leads to another multiple fatality incident – this may be the driver of the vehicle, an innocent member of the public or any number of spectators actively taking part in the street cruising meet."

He said he has witnessed "400 plus" vehicles at street cruises in locations like the Black Country Route in Bilston or Manor Way, Halesowen, and that the "potential for a very serious collision is massive" because of the speeds involved. 

He also highlighted the police resources needed to deal with street racing, which are "therefore not providing policing to other parts of the community" and the need to often deploy traffic teams, police dogs, drone teams and helicopters at huge cost to taxpayers.