In a decisive move against illegal street racing, West Midlands Police have intensified their crackdown on motorists violating a car cruising injunction across Birmingham and the Black Country. The police force has begun notifying insurance companies of those caught in the act, following the implementation of a High Court injunction secured in February 2023.

Since the original interim injunction in December 2022,

A total of 27 street racers have been arrested for breaching the injunction. Notably, four arrests have been made since January alone, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the region’s roads.

DC Mark Campbell, from Operation Hercules, emphasized the importance of notifying insurance companies, as they are not automatically informed about breaches of civil injunctions. “Insurance companies are not endorsable with points for this type of breach, which is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to inform them,” said DC Campbell. He stressed the police’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal street racing and cruising, highlighting the potential dangers such activities pose to the public, including past incidents of fatalities and serious injuries.

Operation Hercules is a targeted campaign aimed at curbing street racing and car cruising, where vehicles are driven in an anti-social or hazardous manner. The injunctions now in place cover not only Birmingham but also the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, and Walsall. These injunctions prohibit individuals from driving, being a passenger, or riding at gatherings involving motor racing, stunts, or other dangerous or obstructive driving behaviors.

Violators of the injunction risk severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, or the seizure of assets, as breaching the ban constitutes contempt of court. The police, working closely with various partners, remain committed to employing a range of tactics to identify, disrupt, and enforce laws against those participating or observing such illegal activities. Their overarching aim is to ensure the safety of all road users in the region.