High Court say Black Country car cruising injunction should continue
An injunction banning car cruising on the Black Country's roads is providing 'effective' and should continue, the High Court has said.
The injunction, which came into force in February 2015, prohibits people from car cruising anywhere within Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell or Walsall.
It also bans promoting, organising or publicising any such event in the same area.
It has acted as a deterrent to those previously involved in, or considering becoming involved in, car cruising, say officials.
The move has significantly reduced instances of car cruising throughout the region say the Black Country councils and police.
Although, they say, the problem still persists in some areas.
A review hearing, which took place before His Honour Judge Worster, sitting as a Judge of the High Court, on Monday, looked at the effectiveness and appropriateness of the injunction – which currently lasts until February 2021.
The judge said that, having reviewed the matter, the order should continue to be in force.
Judge Worster said: "The evidence is that (the order has) been effective, but the problem persists. The danger it poses at a time when the NHS and the police are stretched is all the greater.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: "Car cruising is not only illegal but also dangerous, putting the safety of participants and spectators at risk.
"It also generates late-night noise and disturbances for people living near to hotspots.
"The injunction plays a crucial role in helping the authorities tackle the nuisance, danger and anti-social problems car cruising causes, and we are naturally delighted that the High Court has determined that it should remain in force – particularly as it will help reduce pressure on the emergency services at a time when the country is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic."
More than 50 individuals have been subject to committal proceedings for breaching the injunction since 2015. One defendant received an immediate custodial sentence of three months, over a dozen were given suspended sentences of up to six months, while others received fines of up to £2,000 and were ordered to pay costs.
In addition, more than 100 warning letters have been issued – and in all but one instance, no future offending behaviour has been reported.
Incidents of car cruising should be reported to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, dial 999.
For more information, visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/parking-and-roads/car-cruising-injunction
