Birmingham’s landmark injunction against illegal street cruising – described by a High Court judge as a “nuclear option” in civil law—will face its annual review later this month, as the council seeks to maintain a ban that has dramatically reduced dangerous driving and late-night disruption across the city.
The Street Cruiser Injunction Review Hearing will take place at 10.30am on Thursday February 26th at the Birmingham Civil & Family Justice Centre. The order, first granted in 2022 and extended for three years in 2024, prohibits anyone within the local authority boundary from participating in, organising, publicising, or even spectating at street cruising events.
Since its introduction, enforcement actions have resulted in more than 30 successful prosecutions, with offenders receiving suspended prison sentences ranging from 14 to 46 days. The impact on communities has been substantial. Complaints about street cruising in Birmingham have fallen by 52%, while neighbouring Black Country authorities recorded a 38% reduction .
The injunction prohibits driving at excessive speed, racing, performing stunts, driving in convoy, and obstructing highways – activities that cause excessive noise, danger to road users, risk of property damage, and widespread nuisance.
At the last annual review in February 2025, Mr Justice Ritchie applied 15 substantive and procedural factors to justify continuing what he termed a “contra mundum” order affecting all citizens. He found “compelling justification” remained, noting that while Article 11 grants rights to assembly, it does not grant “young men or women the right to get into fast cars, to drive dangerously and to put elderly or any member of the public at risk” .
Councillor Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “We know how distressing illegal street racing can be for our communities, and the injunction has made a real difference in reducing this behaviour. Birmingham residents deserve to feel safe on their streets, and this review is an important step in ensuring the ban remains strong and effective.”
West Midlands Police continue enforcement through Operation Hercules, which recently secured 27 dangerous driving convictions. Tactics now include notifying insurers of breaches and using CCTV, warning signs, and aerial surveillance to disrupt gatherings .
The hearing will determine whether the injunction—currently in force until February 2027—remains “reasonably necessary” to protect the public. Members of the public can access case documents via Birmingham City Council’s website or by contacting the Legal and Governance team.
Photo: Theodor Vasile / Unsplash
Leave a Reply