OFFICERS PUT THE BRAKES ON CAR CRUISERS
ON SUNDAY 10 October an operation was conducted by West Midlands Police and BASBU to prevent motorists from ‘car cruising’ in the Fort Dunlop area of the city.
In the latest response to this issue 167 people were served with injunction by officers from BASBU (Birmingham Anti Social Behaviour Unit). Twelve fixed penalty notices were also issued by the police for offences including use of excessive speed and vehicle disrepair.
Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, with the support of West Midlands Police successfully secured an Injunction Order under section 222 of the Government Act 1972 on 22 September 2010.
In a previous operation held on Sunday 26 September over 300 drivers were issued details of the injunction.
The Injunction Order applies to anyone participating in a car cruise between 7pm and 7 am on any public access point within the boundaries of Tyburn Road from Spaghetti Junction and Washwood Heath Road and Coleshill Road.
Within the defined boundary area vehicle drivers and/or their passengers are prohibited from causing excessive noise, danger to other road users (including pedestrians), damage or the risk of damage to private property, litter and any other nuisance to another person not participating in the car-cruise.
The Injunction Order was secured following an application made to Birmingham County Court. The application was supported by anti-social behaviour officers from Birmingham Community Safety Partnership and police officers, who were eager to bring an end to the months of misery endured by local residents, businesses and other road users.
Vehicle drivers in the area will no longer be permitted to drive at excessive speed, drive in convoy, race other vehicles, perform stunts, sound their horns, play radios, drop litter, shout, swear, abuse, threaten or otherwise intimidate another person.
Any person who breaks the conditions of the order will be served with an Injunction and failure to comply could result in a fine or a prison sentence. Breaches of the Injunction can also lead to seizures of vehicles by the Police.
Acting Superintendent Richard Youds said; “The numbers of car cruisers in the area has reduced since securing this injunction. Tonight’s operation should send a message out that we will take action against those who continue to car cruise in the area as we continue to respond to concerns expressed by the local community and make the area safer.”
Jagveen Bagary, ASB Operations Manager, Birmingham Community Safety Partnership said: “This activity will not be tolerated in Birmingham and the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership will work closely with WMP to ensure that the lives of residents, legitimate road users and businesses are not put at risk or disrupted.”
