Courts make roads ban on boy racers indefinite

Boy racers will be fined or locked up for two years if they are caught careering along certain roads in Staffordshire after a council won court backing to extend its powers.

Lichfield District Council has had its injunction to curb "fast and furious" driving extended indefinitely by Birmingham County Court.

It follows a rise in reports of late-night speeding from residents. The order now covers a number of Burntwood roads, including Cannock Road, High Street and Highfields Road.

It means anyone found congregating and racing on roads on the outskirts of Burntwood could be fined or sent to prison.

Councillor Colin Greatorex, Lichfield's cabinet member for community, said: "As the council is a key member of Lichfield District Safer Community Partnership, we are delighted the court has extended the injunction to put a stop to car cruising around Burntwood.

"This type of reckless high-speed street driving is noisy and worrying for people living near to the roads used.

"It is also extremely dangerous for the drivers, passengers and anyone who could be in the area.

"This is why we applied to extend the injunction to make sure the police and council have the appropriate powers to tackle this reckless behaviour. Anyone caught car cruising in and around Burntwood will have their name added to the injunction.

"If they are then caught again, they will be taken to court, and if found guilty could face a fine or a prison sentence of up to two years."

The injunction will not expire unless it is challenged in court.

Insp Darren Oakey, of Lichfield district's local policing team, said: "The injunction defines car cruising as a congregation of drivers, of two or more vehicles, between the hours of 7pm and 7am on the roads outlined.

"Other unacceptable activities include car racing, shouting or swearing, blocking off roads, dropping litter, playing loud music, sounding horns and more."