Another street athlete receives a suspended prison sentence for racing in Kenrick Way, West Bromwich

Oliver Clarke, 27, of Addison Terrace, Wednesbury, was involved in street racing – also known as car cruising – along Kenrick Way on March 24, 2024, in breach of the Black Country Street Racing Order . Mr Clarke was subsequently arrested and brought before the court on 25 March 2024.

At the High Court in Birmingham on 7 May 2024, he admitted driving at approximately 80mph for approximately 30 seconds on the 40mph dual carriageway while driving another vehicle, driving in a convoy and driving a vehicle. The judge handed down a 28-day detention order suspended for 12 months and Mr Clarke was also ordered to pay costs of £3,175.30 payable at £100 per month.

Sandwell Council leader Kerrie Carmichael said: “The people of West Bromwich have been really concerned about street racing on Kenrick Way so I am pleased to see further action being taken to tackle this very dangerous and anti-social behavior .

“This is the fourth successful court case in the last year where street racers have been brought to justice for breaching the banning order in Kenrick Way.

“We will continue to work together with the police and other partner organizations to keep people safe and tackle anti-social behaviour.”

In February 2024, the High Court issued a total and final ban on street racing, also known as car cruising, in the Black Country.

Prohibits anyone who is a driver, rider or passenger in or on a motor vehicle from participating between the hours of 3pm and 7am in an assembly of two or more persons in the Black Country area where some of those present are engaged in motor racing or motor stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.

It also covers organizers and spectators, prohibiting people from promoting, organizing or advertising gatherings or attending a gathering as a spectator with the intention or expectation that some of those present will engage in street racing.

The injunction covers the whole of the boroughs of Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton and has a power of arrest attached which gives the police the power to arrest anyone who breaches it. Breaching an injunction is in contempt of court and, if proven, the court has the power to impose a prison sentence, a fine or an order confiscating a person’s assets.

For more information about the ordinance, please visit the applicants’ street racing ordinance pages:

Street racing incidents in Sandwell should be reported online to the council or to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.