High Court injunction bans street cruising across Birmingham

Street cruising has been banned across the whole of Birmingham after the High Court granted the city council an injunction.

The interim injunction, granted at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on 21 December, comes into force at one minute past midnight on Christmas Eve. It bans drivers, riders and passengers from taking part in a street cruise anywhere in the city.

Arrest and prison

Anyone breaching the order could be arrested immediately and could face up to two years in prison, a fine or the seizure of their assets.

The application was made by the council's community safety team, working with the police, who will be responsible for enforcing the order.

"Dangerous as well as a nuisance"

Councillor 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."

"There are plenty of lawful ways to exhibit and demonstrate their vehicles - but our roads are not the place for it."

Chief Superintendent Ian Green said the police would not tolerate illegal car gatherings because of the danger and nuisance they caused. "We will take every opportunity to intervene and enforce against this activity and this includes spectators and those organising or promoting these events," he said. Officers are also working with the insurance industry and offering educational courses.

What is street cruising?

Street cruising is when groups of drivers gather on public roads to race, perform stunts, speed or show off their vehicles, often late at night and watched by crowds of spectators. Residents living near favourite locations have complained for years about noise, dangerous driving and the risk to spectators and other road users.

Birmingham has used injunctions against street cruising before, and the council says past court action shows it will not hesitate to take offenders to court.

Neighbouring areas too

The court also granted a similar application made by Wolverhampton City Council on behalf of councils in the Black Country, so that drivers cannot simply move across the boundary.

What happens next

The case will be considered again at a hearing at the Birmingham Civil Justice Centre on 13 February 2023. Anyone who wants to take part in the hearing must file an acknowledgement of service at least seven days beforehand. Full details of the injunction and the evidence are available on the council's website.

Anyone who sees street cruising taking place is asked to report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.