An injunction banning street racing across parts of the Black Country remains in pole position following a High Court ruling.
The decision follows a review hearing in Birmingham where City of Wolverhampton Council, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council applied for the injunction – along with the associated power of arrest – to remain in place across all three boroughs until at least 1st March 2027.
It prohibits people from taking part in street racing as a driver, rider or passenger; from promoting, organising or publicising gatherings; or from attending as a spectator.
Anyone found to be in breach of the rule may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized. They may also be ordered to pay the council’s legal costs of any hearing.
During the hearing, Her Honour Judge (HHJ) Kelly agreed the injunction should continue, with minor amendments to the wording, after considering evidence from the three claimant councils arguing its positive impact.
In written evidence, Pardip Nagra, anti social behaviour team leader at Wolverhampton, 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.’
Data from PC Mark Campbell, of Operation Hercules – West Midlands Police’s response to street racing – showed ‘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 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.’
In her order, HHJ Kelly noted: ‘The compelling justification for the injunction and power of arrest remains. The updated evidence establishes that the amended injunction and power of arrest are having a deterrent effect but that street cruising activity continues to be a problem…as evidenced by the successful contempt applications over the past year, the need for diversionary courses, reports fro local residents, and police monitoring activity.
‘To extent that overall street cruising activity has reduced from that seen prior to injunctive relief being in place, it is well established that evidence of that kind is not evidence that the risk has abated.’
Speaking on behalf of the three councils, Cllr Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community at City of Wolverhampton Councils, 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.’
The revised injunction will take effect once the claimant councils complete the required service steps. Until then, the existing order remains in force.
Image: Weiss/UnSplash
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