A DECISION by the High Court decision to extend a ground-breaking injunction banning car cruising in the Black Country for a further three years has been welcomed.

The order, which has seen 17 people being convicted at court for breaching it, either by taking part in or organising a car cruise, can also apply to nuisance related to motorbikes, including anti-social off-road bikes on public land.

Sandwell Council chiefs say the injunction has had a “major impact” since being introduced in 2015, leading to a “significant reduction in car cruising” in many parts of the Black Country.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “This is very positive news for Sandwell and our Black Country neighbours as we continue to crack down on car cruising and motorbike-related nuisance.

“We were very happy to support the application to extend the order for another three years. We look forward to further successes as the council works with the police and other partners to stop this noisy, dangerous and illegal behaviour.

“We are also making full use of the council’s CCTV cameras to help police identify perpetrators, seize vehicles and bring those responsible before the courts.”

The four Black Country boroughs, in conjunction with the police, were successful in seeking a continuation of the injunction until February 1, 2021, at the Birmingham District Registry of the High Court on Tuesday (January 9).

The injunction bans speeding, racing and driving in convoy, performing stunts and causing an obstruction on a public highway.

It also bans associated behaviour, such as excessive noise, causing a public nuisance and risking injury to others and damage to property.

Councillor Laura Taylor, Dudley Council's cabinet member responsible for community safety, said: “Unfortunately there are people out there who continue to think this type of dangerous anti-social behaviour is acceptable. It isn’t. 

"We welcome the High Court’s decision this week to extend the injunction and we will continue to work with neighbouring authorities and the police to eradicate car cruising on our streets."

Anyone breaching the injunction risks being in contempt of court, for which they can face up to two years in prison and a fine, while the authorities can also seize assets such as vehicles.

Police still have their powers to deal with traffic offences, including driving without insurance, driving an un-roadworthy vehicle and driving without due care and attention.