The city of Birmingham has taken several measures to clamp down on exhibition driving

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham city leaders are taking more steps to stop dangerous driving in the fair.

Through Operation Knight Rider, officers have already made several arrests and seized cars over the past month.

On Tuesday morning, May 21, the Birmingham City Council passed an ordinance that would prohibit people from organizing or watching street races.

City leaders say bystanders are just as guilty as the drivers who pull these illegal stunts. They argue that these crowds encourage this behavior, which is dangerous for anyone in the area, especially the crowds watching.

“This is one tool in the police department’s toolbox to further reduce this problem that has plagued the city since the pandemic,” says Councilman Hunter Williams.

If a driver loses control of the car, someone can be injured or killed. At least one person was killed in 2022. City leaders also say this crowd fills the streets and impedes the flow of traffic, causing problems for other drivers and even first responders.

“Older neighbors who go out at night, maybe to the shop or to the hospital, don’t know what to do when they come across our streets allocated like this,” adds councilor Carol Clarke. “They may be driving on a racetrack without knowing it.”

Councilors say Mayor Woodfin will sign the ordinance soon. It will take effect immediately and officers can start making arrests.

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