Judge Confirms Tough New Measures as Birmingham Secures Ongoing Street Cruise Injunction

Street cruising, often known as car cruising or street racing is the illegal congregation of two or more motor vehicles (including motorcycles) on the public highway or any place to which the public have access. These gatherings frequently involve dangerous driving, high‑speed stunts, and create significant risks for residents, businesses and road users.

The Court has confirmed that the injunction which was originally granted in February 2022 and amended in March and July 2025, will continue in force in an amended form until 23:59 on 27 February 2027.

Summary of the Order

The renewed injunction:

• Prohibits participation in street cruises anywhere within Birmingham, including as a driver, rider, passenger, or spectator.
• Continues the Power of Arrest of the injunction, enabling West Midlands Police to arrest without warrant any person reasonably suspected of breaching that provision.
• Prohibits organising, promoting or publicising street‑cruising events.
• Applies to three categories of Persons Unknown, as well as the named defendants (listed in Schedule 4 of the Order).
• Requires Birmingham City Council to maintain signage and ensure alternative service of the order via dedicated website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/streetcruiseapplication2022 , social media, and hard‑copy access.

The Court found no material change in circumstances that would justify lifting the injunction or removing the Power of Arrest. Evidence demonstrated that although street cruising has reduced, activity persists at a lower level and continues in neighbouring areas without injunctions.

There have been 30 successful prosecutions against those who have breached the injunction since it was granted. Penalties have resulted in suspended prison sentences, with costs imposed ranging between £600–£3,500.

Councillor Jamie Scott, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said:

“Street cruising is a serious danger and puts lives at risk. We will not tolerate high speed driving, racing and reckless stunts on our streets, which endanger people and communities.

“Street cruising gatherings create situations where serious collisions and fatalities become far more likely, and this is why we are continuing to take action to stop it taking place.

“The High Court’s decision to continue this injunction, with the power of arrest attached, sends a clear message about the seriousness of this problem and the threat that it poses to the people of Birmingham.

“Anyone who takes part in street cruising must understand that if you choose to ignore this High Court order, you will face arrest and prosecution. My priority is protecting residents of the city and keeping our roads safe.”

PC Cambell from West Midlands Police who is the lead on street cruising enforcements, commented: “The Police are committed to making the roads of the West Midlands safer for all road users. The renewal of the Birmingham’s Section 222 High Court car cruising injunction only goes to send a strong message to those who want to take part in this illegal activity. Over the last twelve months West Midlands Police have seen a dramatic reduction in organised car cruising, enforcement of the car cruising injunction has only strengthened the Police’s ability to tackle this issue”.

Where to Access the Injunction, Power of Arrest, and Case Documents

The Council maintains dedicated webpages, where the following materials are available:

• The injunction and power of arrest dated 27 February 2027
• Judgement of HHJ Kelly
• Case summaries and hearing bundles
• Evidence filed for the 2026 annual review

Alternatively, copies of case documents can be requested by contacting Birmingham City Council’s Legal and Governance team by email: HousingandCommunitySafetyLegal@birmingham.gov.uk or calling Ms Akhtar on 0121 303 9385, quoting reference LS/CSY/SA/210929.