'It's a nightmare racing track at night': Petition for noise cameras on Stourbridge ring road

Concerns are growing among residents about dangerous driving and noise from late-night racing on Stourbridge ring road, with many warning that a serious accident could happen if nothing changes.

Residents say the road has effectively become a racing track at night. They report frequent revving engines, cars speeding through the area, and exhausts popping late into the evening and early hours of the morning.

Conservative campaigners, who are currently in the run up to local elections, say the behaviour is not only disruptive but also raises serious concerns about road safety

Former Tory MP Suzanne Webb OBE said: "The ring road is a nightmare racing track at night. With boy racers, the late-night exhaust popping, loud revving, and growing concerns about road safety, a tragic accident is a matter of time.

"So I joined [Councillors] Rich Prosser & Steve Hancock for Wollaston & Stourbridge Town out and about, asking people to sign their petition asking the police to do something about it. If we get the community's weight behind the petition, I’m confident something will finally be done.

"We had a great reception on the doorstep, with residents really appreciating that Rich Prosser & Steve Hancock for Wollaston & Stourbridge Town  are taking this issue seriously — something many feel has been ignored for too long by the current Wollaston & Stourbridge Town councillors."

During a visit, volunteers knocked on doors and spoke with people living nearby about their experiences. According to organisers, the response from the community was overwhelmingly supportive.

Many residents told them they were pleased to see the issue being taken seriously after what they described as years of frustration. One resident said: "Its not just night time. Mornings and afternoons it's just as bad."

Another added: "Signed - good luck," while a third wrote: "Really need to consider reinstating the speed cameras."

However, others criticised the Webb for allegedly not doing enough to tackle the issue when she held the seat. A resident said: "And why didn’t your sort this when you was mp? This is not new been happing for some time." 

A second added: "You’ll all keep pushing hard on this after the May local elections, will you?" A third critic said: " What did you do about it this issue that has been ignored whilst you were MP Suzanne?"

Campaigners believe that if enough people sign the petition, it will help demonstrate the strength of local concern and encourage police to take action against dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour on the ring road.

They are also asking residents to share details of other road safety problems in their neighbourhoods so the concerns can be raised with the relevant authorities.

Residents who want to support the campaign or report road issues in their area can sign the petition online here. 

West Midlands Police and Dudley Council have been contacted for comment.