City council granted injunction to ban street cruising

Birmingham: A High Court order banning street cruising across Birmingham has been granted to Birmingham City Council after its application was heard at Royal Courts of Justice in London yesterday (21 December).

This interim injunction – which comes into force at 00:01hrs on Saturday (24 December 2022 – prohibits 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.

The full terms of the injunction, power of arrest, applications for alternative service and interim injunction, documents and evidence can be found at https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/streetcruiseapplication2022.

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

Chief Superintendent Ian Green, from West Midlands Police, said: “We have been working jointly with all local authorities over the past few years and are determined to tackle dangerous and reckless driving which puts the safety of others and themselves at risk.

“Alongside our partners we do not tolerate illegal car gatherings due to the danger and nuisance they create to communities and the wider public going about their lives.

“We have officers dedicated to addressing the issue from both neighbourhood teams and specialist traffic resources, who are also working with the insurance industry and providing diversionary and educational courses.

“We will take every opportunity to intervene and enforce against this activity and this includes spectators and those organising or promoting these events.”

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

If anyone sees any street cruising taking place, they should contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or 999 in an emergency.

The Birmingham High Court at Priory Law Courts, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham will consider the case again on a date to be set between 1 – 10 February 2023. Details of the new hearing date will be put on the council’s website.

Anyone wanting to take part at the next hearing should file an acknowledgement of service – a form to show individuals wish to take part – seven days before the new hearing date.

The council’s contact details are: Birmingham City Council Legal and Governance, PO Box 15992 B2 2UQ quoting ref LS/CSY/HM/150673. Alternatively, email HousingLitigationTeam@birmingham.gov.uk or call 0121 303 2808.

Copies of the documents and evidence filed in the case may be obtained from the city council’s offices at 10 Woodcock Street, Birmingham, B7 4BL.