Car cruisers face tough penalties in North Warwickshire
A judge at Birmingham High Court has banned Car Cruising in part of North Warwickshire following an eight year-battle to solve the problem.
Warwickshire County Council, supported by Warwickshire Police, applied for an injunction under Section 222 of the Local Government Act 1972, to prohibit the highly dangerous activity and all associated anti-social behaviour around the Hams Hall area.
On Friday 21 August 2009, the county council was successful with its application, which has now come in to effect and will last for two years, banning excessive noise, danger to other road users and pedestrians, damage or risk of damage to private property, litter, and nuisance to other persons not participating in a car cruise.
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Over the last eight years, the county council and police have tried numerous measures to stop the anti-social behaviour associated with car cruising such as speeding and excessive noise, which have caused nuisance to residents, businesses and other road users.
“However, because of the sheer numbers of participants it has often been difficult to take the most appropriate action until now. This injunction is the latest and most forceful attempt to put an end to the problem, leaving residents and businesses to enjoy a much safer community once again.”
Inspector Glen Belcher from Warwickshire Police, said: “The problem of car cruising has caused significant disruption for those who reside and work in the vicinity of the Hams Hall industrial estate.
“The injunction, which has been obtained as a result of excellent multi agency working, will allow for those gathering for such anti social purposes to be dealt with in an appropriate manner. This will result in an improved quality of life for those affected while making the area safer for all.
“The police will now be working with our partner agencies and with the businesses on the Hams Hall Business Park to see the injunction is enforced effectively.”
Anyone caught breaking the injunction will be ‘in contempt of court’ which can be punished with the seizure of their vehicle, a large fine or even a prison sentence.