Street racers have warned that insurers will be informed of offences

The ordinance, issued in February, prohibits persons from participating, as a driver, rider or passenger, in an assembly of two or more persons at which some of those present engage in motor racing or motor stunts or other dangerous driving or obstructive.

It also prohibits 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 order covers all of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall and anyone breaching it will be prosecuted and could face penalties including imprisonment, a fine or a confiscation order.

In addition, police are now contacting the vehicle insurance companies of anyone found guilty of breaching the order, which could lead to them facing higher premiums or difficulty getting insurance.

Det Con Mark Campbell from Operation Hercules, West Midlands Police’s tactical response to street racing, said: “Insurance companies are not automatically notified of breaching civil injunctions and cannot be backed up with points, so that is why we have taken the decision to proactively notify insurance companies of violations of the order.

“We simply will not tolerate illegal street racing on the region’s roads and will take action against drivers who break the law and put other road users at risk. People have been killed and seriously injured in these types of events in the past and our ultimate goal is to keep people safe.

“We are working closely with our partners on a range of tactics to identify, disrupt and enforce those who participate or observe. Our priority is keeping the roads safe for everyone.”

The High Court injunction application was led by Wolverhampton City Council on behalf of Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall councils and was supported by West Midlands Police.

A spokesman for the ban applicants said: “The ban plays an extremely important role in tackling the menace of street racing in the Black Country.

“People should be under no illusions about the penalties they can face if they breach the order, which range from a fine or impounding their vehicle to imprisonment. And I am pleased that the authorities are now proactively notifying the guilty’ insurance companies of any conviction as well, which should act as an additional deterrent.”

For more information on the interim order, please visit the applicants’ street racing order pages – Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

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