Councils bid for extra powers to halt ‘street cruisers’

CITY council bosses are seeking a High Court injunction and power of arrest to ban street cruising from all Birmingham roads.

It comes after two teenagers were killed in an horrific crash at an alleged car cruising meet in Oldbury last month.

Liberty Charris, 16, and 19-yearold Ben Corfield were pronounced dead at the scene at the A457 Oldbury Road.

Birmingham City Council’s interim application was heard at London’s

Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday. If successful, the injunction will prohibit people from participating and spectating in street cruising across the city.

Anyone who breaches the order could face arrest and up to two years in prison, a fine, or have their assets seized.

Street cruising, not to be confused with street racing, is when groups drive up and down a street in unison – usually to show off their vehicles. They will often drive dangerously slow and may even take up both sides of the road. This can hold up traffic. Cllr John Cotton, cabinet member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “Street cruising is dangerous, as well as being a nuisance, for law-abiding citizens.

‘‘By working with our police partners on applying for this injunction, we have shown we understand and share the continued concerns raised by many residents about this antisocial and life-threatening behaviour. Past court action shows we won’t hesitate to ensure justice is served upon offenders, who have no excuse for their actions. There are plenty of lawful ways to exhibit and demonstrate their vehicles – but our roads are not the place for it.”

Although the application for this order has been made by the Birmingham authority, officers from West Midlands Police will be responsible for its enforcement. The hearing will also consider an application by Black Country authorities.