Move to halt boy racers is probed

Staffordshire police are looking at a plan for a wide-ranging injunction against boy racers to try and rid the streets of antisocial car cruising clubs.

Their road crime team are examining a Nottingham police initiative in applying for a court injunction to prevent boy racers gathering in the city centre.

The injunction, implemented at the end of 2006, is the first of its kind in the UK and can be used on any driver or passenger of any car banning them from gathering in groups of cars. A breach may lead to court, a fine and even jail for persistent offenders.

Staffordshire officers visited Nottingham to find out if it could be used in Staffordshire. Inspector Chris Dawson, of the road crime team, said: "This is at a very early stage. Nottingham took out an injunction with regard to car cruising as they were having a lot of problems. The initial feedback was very positive.

"We are looking at what impact it will have and we are conscious of the possibility of pushing the problem onto our neighbours. There is a lot more work needed before we do anything."

Elizabeth Partington, of Lichfield Road, Cannock, who has boy racers outside her home said the injunction could be good news.