Police get new power to lock up Cannock boy racers
Boy racers in Cannock face two years behind bars as police were given new powers to tackle drivers at Longford Island and Orbital Retail Park.
The court order, coming into force immediately, lets officers disperse street racers after it emerged operations tackling the problem cost taxpayers £500 a week.
An injunction, granted at Birmingham's Civil Justice Centre, prohibits street racing along The Orbital, Eastern Way, Watling Street, Lichfield Road, Walsall Road and Avon Road.
The death of 22-year-old Ashley Burton in 2010 was cited by police in their case yesterday. He died after a three-car crash on The Orbital ring road.
Those who do not comply will be prosecuted and could face jail terms of up to two years or hefty fines.
Over the last 12 months, police and Cannock Chase Council have had complaints of up to 150 vehicles gathering on Sundays between 6pm and 2am, with weekday meetings increasing.
Drivers were seen performing stunts and racing at speeds of up to 100mph.
The injunction defines car cruising as a congregation of two or more vehicles, between 7pm and 7am on a public highway.
It also bans activity including car racing, shouting or swearing, playing loud music, dropping litter and blocking roads.
