100-strong street race broken up as car cruising clampdown continues
Police have vowed to take firm action against illegal car cruising across the region after officers broke up a street race gathering.
Traffic officers, including drone pilots, moved in to Birmingham to disrupt a 100-strong group that amassed on the A38 between Minworth and Bassetts Pole, as well as in Heartlands Parkway, Nechells.
Road blocks were put in place and stop checks carried out on drivers after around 50 spectators lined the streets to watch the road menaces.
A High Court order bans drivers from taking part in car cruising, including speeding, racing and driving in convoy, performing stunts and causing an obstruction on a public highway, plus spectating or promoting such events across the Black Country, Birmingham and Solihull.
West Midlands Police is now reviewing drone and CCTV footage.
The force said it would look to prosecute any drivers suspected of breaching the order by joining the car cruise.
Chief Superintendent Steve Graham led Sunday night’s operation, with the latest activity codenamed Operation Hercules.
He said: “We understand the impact this type of anti-social activity has upon our communities, not to mention the danger it presents to participants and spectators.
“We are determined to continue these operations to send a message to those involved we will not tolerate this behaviour and those who continue to drive dangerously or participate will be brought before the courts.
"Our drone footage captures the activity in detail and we are examining footage taken last night to determine who was involved so that we can assist Birmingham City Council to pursue court action.
“Drivers can also expect their insurance companies to be informed − and for their policies to be nullified − if they are caught joining illegal car gatherings which would clearly be at odds with the terms of their insurance cover.”
No arrests were made during Sunday night’s operation, but enquiries are on-going.
Anyone with dash-cam footage of the gathering is asked to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at WMP Online or call the force on the non-emergency 101 number quoting Operation Hercules.
