West Midlands Police have seized more than 70 vehicles across the region in the last three months, using new powers that came into force on June 30. The changes to Section 59 of the Police Reform Act mean officers no longer need to issue a warning before taking enforcement action against dangerous or anti-social driving.
Between July 1 and September 30, more than 70 vehicles were taken off the roads, with half of those seizures occurring in September alone. The action is part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal street racing and car cruising, which is banned across Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country.
New powers allow immediate seizures
Sgt Ade Brown, from the force's Op Hercules team, said the law change has made a significant difference. “The new law change has allowed us to seize vehicles at the first instance of dangerous or anti-social driving and in three months we have seized more than 70 vehicles,” he said.
“There is a clear message here. If you come into the West Midlands and drive recklessly, putting other people’s lives in danger, you will have your vehicle seized.”
Brown added: “We need motorists to understand that we won’t tolerate illegal street racing or cruising on the region’s roads and will take action against motorists who flout the law and put other road users at risk. Our ultimate aim is to keep people safe. People have been killed and seriously injured while street racing and it’s simply unacceptable to put other motorists and pedestrians at risk in such a reckless way.”
Street racing ban and legal consequences
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.
In addition, new Public Space Protection Orders have been introduced, and a breach of these orders can see fines issued for up to £1,000. The injunctions prohibit people from driving, being a passenger or rider at a gathering where there is motor racing, stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.
The injunctions cover Birmingham and the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall.
How to report incidents
West Midlands Police added: “Incidents of street racing should be reported to us on Live Chat on our website or call us on 101. In an emergency always call 999.”
