West Midlands Police have made an arrest after successfully disrupting a planned illegal street racing event in Birmingham, which was being organised through social media platform TikTok.
Arrest Follows Disruption of New Year's Eve Meet
The illegal gathering was scheduled for New Year's Eve in the Small Heath area of the city. Officers from the force's dedicated Operation Hercules team intervened, preventing the event from taking place.
As a result of their enquiries, a 21-year-old woman was arrested. She has been released on bail with strict conditions while the investigation continues.
Operation Hercules Clamps Down on Dangerous Driving
This enforcement action is a key part of Operation Hercules, a ongoing police initiative targeting individuals involved in street racing or 'car cruising'. The operation focuses on situations where vehicles are driven in an anti-social or dangerously reckless manner, putting the public at risk.
Pc Mark Smith, an investigator on the Operation Hercules team, stated: “This positive arrest prevented the New Year's Eve car meet taking place and sends out a clear message to any potential or wannabe street racing organiser that we will be taking action against them.”
He added a stark warning to motorists: “We need motorists to understand that we won’t tolerate illegal street racing or cruising on the region’s roads... If you come to the West Midlands and engage in street racing, you will be convicted for driving offences and could be given a custodial sentence.”
High Court Injunction Bans Street Cruising
There is a comprehensive ban on street racing in Birmingham and the Black Country, enforced through High Court rulings. Birmingham City Council was granted a High Court order banning street cruising in February 2024.
This final order, which is now in place, prohibits a wide range of activities related to these illegal gatherings:
- Driving, riding, or being a passenger in a street cruise.
- Organising, promoting, or spectating at such events.
The injunction covers any gathering involving motor racing, stunts, or other dangerous use of vehicles. A full three-year injunction is active until February 27, 2027, replacing an interim order from December 2022.
Anyone found in breach of this ban is in contempt of court and faces severe penalties, which can include:
- Imprisonment.
- Substantial fines.
- Orders to have their assets seized.
The police urge the public to report any information about planned or ongoing illegal street racing events.
