Police seized a Lamborghini Urus and 12 other vehicles during a targeted operation against illegal street racing across the West Midlands on Saturday night (August 8). The Operation Hercules team also issued 18 fines for offences including having no insurance, speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, going through a red light and driving a car in a dangerous condition.
Operation targets roads in Dudley, Birmingham and Coventry
The operation took place on roads across the West Midlands, including Dudley, Birmingham and Coventry. Officers from across the force came together after receiving information about a large meet-up, aiming to prevent disruption and crime.
During the operation, the Lamborghini Urus failed to stop for officers and was subsequently seized. The other 12 cars were also taken as part of the crackdown on street racing and car cruising.
Sergeant warns of consequences
Sergeant Ade Brown, from Operation Hercules, said: “The 'shutdown' didn’t happen. This should be a serious reminder to people who think it’s ok to come to the West Midlands and carry out illegal street racing that we will take action.
“These meet-ups are not worth your car being seized, the potential driving ban or causing serious injury to an innocent member of the public. People have been killed and seriously injured while street racing. It’s reckless and puts people’s lives at risk.
“Our priority is always to keep the roads safe for everyone. We work closely with our partners on a range of tactics to identify, disrupt and enforce against those taking part or observing.”
Street racing ban in force
Operation Hercules is an ongoing campaign to target people involved in street racing or car cruising, where vehicles are driven in an anti-social or dangerous manner. There is a ban on street racing in Birmingham and the Black Country due to High Court rulings. Anyone breaching the ban will be in contempt of court and could face penalties including imprisonment, a fine, or an order to have their assets seized.
The injunctions prohibit people driving, being a passenger or rider at a gathering where there is motor racing, stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving. The latest operation resulted in 13 vehicles seized and 18 fines issued, with police continuing to enforce the ban.
