High Court extends street racing injunction to 2027 across Black Country

The decision by the High Court follows a review hearing in Birmingham on February 26 where Wolverhampton Council, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council applied for the injunction, along with the associated power of arrest, to remain in place across all three boroughs until at least March 1, 2027.

The injunction prohibits people from taking part in street racing as a driver, rider or passenger; from promoting, organising or publicising gatherings; or from attending as a spectator.

The injunction covers the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall and anyone found to be breaching it will be in contempt of court and may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized. They may also be ordered to pay the council's legal costs of any hearing.

At Thursday’s review hearing, Her Honour Judge Kelly agreed that the injunction should continue, with minor amendments to the wording, after considering evidence from the three claimant councils demonstrating its positive impact.

In written evidence, Pardip Nagra, Wolverhampton Anti-Social Behaviour Team Leader, said the information provided "clearly illustrates that street racing is still a very real issue within the Black Country and that the full injunction order should remain in place to provide reassurance to the public and to save lives."

PC Mark Campbell from Operation Hercules, West Midlands Police’s tactical response to street racing, provided data showing "a massive decrease in the number of vehicles taking part in street racing" between April and November 2025. 

He said: "I cannot overstate the benefit of the current injunction and the importance of renewing this injunction.

“The Black Country local authorities are seeing a huge drop in organised meets, however it is only a matter of time before we see the return of the car cruises, and the renewal of the injunction will allow officers from West Midlands Police to carry on the good work conducted over the last 12 months."

In her order, HHJ Kelly said: "The compelling justification for the injunction and power of arrest remains. 

"The updated evidence establishes that the amended injunction and power of arrest are having a deterrent effect but that street cruising activity continues to be a problem, as evidenced by the successful contempt applications over the past year, the need for diversionary courses, reports from local residents and police monitoring activity. 

"To the extent that overall street cruising activity has reduced from that seen prior to injunctive relief being in place, it is well established that evidence of that kind is not evidence that the risk has abated."

Speaking on behalf of the three councils, Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "Street racing has blighted local communities for far too long. 

"Over more than a decade, the High Court injunction has proved to be a vital deterrent, helping reduce this dangerous and anti-social behaviour and keep people safe. 

“We welcome the court’s decision to allow the injunction to continue across Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall. 

"The evidence shows it is working, and we will not hesitate to seek a further extension if it is needed to protect residents and save lives.”

The revised injunction will come into effect once the Claimant Councils have completed certain steps related to its service. In the meantime, the existing injunction remains in force.

At the same hearing, an application to discontinue the injunction in Dudley was also permitted, with Dudley Council saying it intends to use alternative powers at its disposal to tackle street racing locally. 

This will not impact on the enforceability of the injunction in Sandwell, Walsall or Wolverhampton.