Council Cracks Down on 'Awful' Boy Racer Noise Near Birmingham Airport
Residents living near Birmingham Airport have been plagued by the disruptive noise of illegal street racing, with many describing the situation as a "nightmare" that regularly continues into the early hours of the morning. In response, local council decision-makers have agreed to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) targeting key roads in the area.
Residents' Frustrations with Late-Night Disturbances
The affected roads include Damson Parkway, Elmdon, and Bickenhill Parkway in Marston Green, where residents report hearing loud exhaust revving, "pops and bangs" from cars, and vehicles speeding well above the 40mph limit. A young mother in the area stated, "It varies when I hear it, you lose track of time but it is late at night. We hear the revving of loud exhausts." While some residents noted they hadn't noticed the noise due to soundproofing from trees or bedroom locations, others expressed significant concern.
A Burgess Croft resident called the situation "awful" and emphasized it needs addressing. A Kendal Grove resident added, "Late at night I hear pops and bangs from cars. I didn't know about the racing but cars speed down there. We have been here a year. It's meant to be a 40mph road but people go 60, 70mph. I'm a good sleeper but if I'm going to sleep I hear it. It's definitely good something is being done."
Evidence-Based Decision for Public Safety
Council officers, based on police call analysis over a three-year period, found these roads were "disproportionately affected" by anti-social behavior, including excessive noise, reckless driving, and intimidation of passers-by. The PSPO was discussed at the cabinet portfolio holder for communities, Councillor Wazma Qais' decision session on March 18, where it received strong support from local representatives.
Councillor Laura McCarthy, ward councillor for Elmdon, said, "Elmdon residents really appreciate it. I'm very familiar with the issues on Damson Parkway. It is overdue and very much needed." Councillor Ben Groom echoed this sentiment, stating, "I am really supportive of this, it is a good idea." Councillor Qais highlighted the importance of evidence-driven measures, noting, "It is important these PSPOs are driven by strong evidence, identified by the police and that's where we are now."
Specific Bans and Enforcement Measures
The PSPO, which will be in place for three years, prohibits a range of activities to curb the street racing problem. Among the banned behaviors are:
- Gathering for a vehicle race to participate or watch
- Revving of engines and repeated sudden acceleration
- Performing stunts and sounding horns
- Playing music from a vehicle
- Causing an obstruction on a public highway, including driving in a convoy
- Using threatening or intimidating behavior towards others
Enforcement will begin with a warning for first breaches, followed by a fixed penalty notice of £100 for subsequent violations. Persistent non-compliance may lead to prosecution, with a maximum penalty of a £2,500 fine. This crackdown aims to restore peace and safety for residents affected by the ongoing disturbances near Birmingham Airport.
