Street cruisers face `going to jail` if they flout court ruling
Police have put the brake on an anti-social motoring craze in Britain`s second biggest city with a court ban that leaves offenders facing prison terms.
Police have put the brake on an anti-social motoring craze in Britain`s second biggest city with a court ban that leaves offenders facing prison terms.
The aim of a High Court injunction is to stop road menaces that race or cruise on Birmingham`s streets in their tracks.
The order secured jointly by West Midlands Police (WMP) and Birmingham City Council means anyone caught racing or joining unauthorised vehicle rallies will be held in contempt of the ruling and can be hauled before a judge.
The injunction which runs for three years also covers those performing stunts on the road, revving engines, blaring horns and playing loud music at vehicle congregations. Those found guilty could face up to two years in jail.
It follows a similar order put in place across Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell and Solihull which forbids people from participating in or promoting, a car cruise.
Introduced in February last year, this has resulted in a significant reduction in street racing and seen 11 people convicted.
West Midlands police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Jamieson said: “I have made keeping our roads safe a key priority for West Midland Police.
“The overwhelming majority of road users are appalled by the actions of the dangerous and inconsiderate few. I am sure that they will welcome this strong action.”
Assistant PCC Ashley Bertie added: “This sends out a strong message that street cruisers will be hauled before a judge to face tough punishments.
I am confident this Birmingham injunction will be as successful as those in the Black Country and Solihull.”
The order comes after a spate of anti-social ride-out events across the UK at the end of last month which saw around 200 bikers speed through the city of Birmingham.
At least seven people were arrested and ten bikes were seized including scramblers and quad bikes. A police van was also attacked.
“We have taken strong action in the past on street racers, with hundreds taken to court, banned from the roads and handed hefty fines.
But recently we have started to see groups of bikers many on scramblers and mini motos causing a nuisance on our streets, pulling wheelies and intimidating other drivers.
“This injunction will cover all aspects of anti-social motoring including people who organise or promote road cruising events – and people need to realise it is not acceptable and they could end up in court.”