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New injunction applied for banning car cruising in the Black Country

Councils across the Black Country have joined together to seek a new injunction banning car cruising in the region.

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The last injunction expired in February

Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall councils are returning to the High Court on May 13 to seek a new injunction banning car cruising in the region.

The proposed injunction would replace one which expired in February and which had been in force for six years.

The injunction, if granted, will forbid people from participating in, attending, promoting, organising or publicising a car cruise event, with anyone ignoring the injunction facing arrest, penalties such as up to two years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine.

The application is being led by Wolverhampton Council on behalf of the four Black Country local authorities and West Midlands Police.

David Pattinson, Wolverhampton Council’s director of governance, said: "Car cruising is noisy, dangerous and illegal and some events have resulted in serious injuries and even death.

"Over the last few years, councils and the police have received hundreds of complaints about dangerous driving, excessive noise, littering and people and vehicles obstructing highways and residential or business properties.

Growing problem

"The previous Black Country-wide injunction proved incredibly effective in reducing instances of car cruising across the region.

"However, the problem still persists in some areas, and has started to grow again since the original injunction expired.

"It is important that the authorities have the powers they need to crack down on car cruising as and when it occurs.

"We are naturally keen to see this new injunction granted by the High Court, which will then be introduced as soon as possible."

The hearing at Birmingham High Court will take place remotely because of coronavirus restrictions.

People are invited to submit comments and observations regarding car cruising and the application for a new injunction by emailing litigation@wolverhampton.gov.uk by 4pm on Tuesday, May 4.

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