Street racing ban extended by High Court

An injunction banning street racing across three areas of the Black Country has been extended.

The order prevents people from participating in street racing as a driver, rider or passenger, as well as from promoting or organising gatherings, and participating as a spectator.

Following a review hearing on Thursday, the High Court agreed the injunction, along with the associated power of arrest, is to remain in place across Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall until at least 1 March 2027.

Dudley Council's application to be removed from the ban has been approved.

The council has said it preferred to use Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) to tackle dangerous driving.

A temporary ban on racing was first introduced in December 2022, following the deaths of teenagers Liberty Charris, 16, and Ben Corfield, 19, in Oldbury, who died when a car crashed into them.

Police and councils then applied to make it permanent. The injunction makes it a criminal offence to participate as a driver or passenger in a gathering of two or more vehicles, at which some of those present engaging in racing, stunts, or other dangerous or obstructive driving.

At the review hearing PC Mark Campbell of West Midlands Police provided data showing "a massive decrease in the number of vehicles taking part in street racing" between April and November 2025."

In written evidence Pardip Nagra, Wolverhampton anti-social behaviour team leader, said the information "clearly illustrates that street racing is still a very real issue within the Black Country and that the full injunction order should remain in place to provide reassurance to the public and to save lives."

Anyone found to be breaching the injunction will be in contempt of court and may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized. They may also be ordered to pay the council's legal costs of any hearing.

"Street racing has blighted local communities for far too long. Over more than a decade, the High Court injunction has proved to be a vital deterrent, helping reduce this dangerous and anti-social behaviour and keep people safe," said councillor Obaida Ahmed of the City of Wolverhampton Council, which led the original application.

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