Drivers in the Black Country are facing strict new night driving restrictions as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour. The High Court has granted an injunction banning 'street racing', also known as 'car cruising', in Wolverhampton, Sandwell, and Walsall.
What the Ban Involves
The injunction forbids any driver, rider, or passenger in a motor vehicle from participating between 3pm and 7am in a gathering of two or more people within the three council areas where some of those present engage in motor racing, motor stunts, or other dangerous or obstructive driving. The ban will remain in place until at least March 1, 2027.
How the Public Can Help
West Midlands Police is encouraging the public to report incidents through its Operation Snap scheme. The force stated: "We want to make sure our roads are as safe as possible for all users. That's why we have Operation Snap, and we need your help."
If you witness driving offences captured on dashcam, CCTV, or a mobile phone by a passenger, you can send the footage to the police. Every piece of footage is reviewed by specially-trained staff. If an offence is identified, the driver can be prosecuted or required to take a driver improvement course.
The force added: "It is very important that you do not post footage elsewhere prior to and while any action is being taken by the police or courts. Failing to follow it could mean a case has to be dropped."
Targeted Dangerous Driving Behaviours
The crackdown targets several specific dangerous driving behaviours:
- Burnouts: Causing a vehicle to damage or destroy its tyres by applying power to the drive wheels while braking to remain in place, making the wheels revolve at speed.
- Donuts: Causing a vehicle to rotate around a fixed point (normally the front axle) while not moving off, creating noise, smoke, and tyre marks.
- Drifting: Turning by placing the vehicle in a skid so that most sideways motion is due to the skid rather than significant steering input.
- Undertaking: Passing a vehicle on its nearside to overtake in circumstances not permitted by the Highway Code.
The injunction aims to reduce anti-social driving and improve road safety across the Black Country. Residents are urged to report any violations to help enforce the ban.
