SOLIHULL COUNCIL has pledged to work with police to put a stop to antisocial ‘street racers’ in the borough.
In partnership with West Midlands Police and key stakeholders, Solihull Council has agreed to form a working group to pursue the introduction of powers through a court order to protect residents and local businesses from the local gatherings of alleged ‘boy racers’ and car enthusiasts.
The move, which was approved yesterday (September 3) at the Cabinet Decision Making Session for Transport and Highways, follows a spate of nuisance car meetings taking place in Solihull.
The most recent event on Sunday, August 31 saw a thousand people and around 500 cars gather in the Tesco car park in Monkspath – revving their engines and disturbing nearby residents.
The court order will make it illegal for activities such as driving in convoy, performing stunts, sounding car horns, playing loud music which result in a risk of injury, damage to property or public nuisance from happening in a public space.
And, if granted, the order would see anyone breaching the order face being brought to court where they could be fined and ordered to pay court costs.
Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, Coun Ted Richards, said Council officers and police would now work together to stop street racing and antisocial car meetings from taking place ‘right across the borough’.
He added: “Street racing is not only illegal, it’s dangerous and puts the lives of our road users at risk, while the antisocial activities of car gatherings are intimidating and a major nuisance to local residents.
“This is a positive and proactive move which will provide a proportionate solution to the problem and help to protect law-abiding motorists and local residents.”
