50 street racers spotted as two arrested on these major Birmingham roads for breaching court injunctions

Two men were arrested overnight on Sunday (July 9) for breaching court injunctions which ban street racing across Birmingham.

A 26-year-old Tamworth man was arrested on Quinton Road West after accelerating out of an island at speeds of up to 90mph in a 40 limit. Later a 39-year-old Birmingham man was spotted racing another vehicle on Heartlands Parkway in Nechells.

Both remain in custody for breaching the civil order which prohibits drivers, riders or passengers from taking part in a street cruise anywhere in Birmingham, and has been in place since December 2022. Anyone breaching the order could face up to two years in prison, a fine, or have their assets seized.

Operation Hercules is the force response targeting people engaged in street racing or car cruising where vehicles are driven in an anti-social or dangerous manner. West Midlands Police explained that their officers run the operation regularly and saw around 50 vehicles taking part in street racing on Sunday night. Apart from the two arrests, we issued 10 Section 59 notices – this means if the driver or vehicle is spotted being driven in a reckless or anti-social manner within 12 months, it can be seized.

One car was in fact seized as it had already been subject to a Section 59 notice the previous day and another was seized as it was found to be in a dangerous and unroadworthy condition. Twelve other vehicles have been reported for offences ranging from bald tyres to a smashed windscreen.

What West Midlands Police said about street racing and road safety in Birmingham in its own words

Superintendent Gareth Mason, Head of Roads’ Policing, said: “West Midlands Police and our partners take illegal street racing extremely seriously. The behaviour of those who treat our roads as race tracks, posing danger to other road users and anti-social behaviour to communities will not be tolerated.

“We work closely with our partners to put in a suite of tactics to identify, disrupt and enforce against those taking part or observing. The region has recently secured new Injunction powers and those found in breach will be arrested and put before the courts.

West Midlands Police further explained: “Our priority is keeping the roads safe for all. We encourage friends, families and neighbours of those driving anti-socially or attending to watch racing to challenge this unacceptable behaviour before more people get harmed.”

The force stressed that road safety is a key issue for WMP with a spokesperson adding: “We know that by working together with local communities and partners we can make significant progress in creating safer roads. We are actively patrolling key areas to enforce speed limits and protect our communities from the dangers of excessive speed and other road harm issues. We are conducting regular operations on the roads focusing on offences known as the ‘fatal four’:

• Speeding
• Drink driving
• Mobile phone use while driving
• Not wearing seatbelts

WMP said that officers also target those who have inappropriate child safety measures and window tints that hinder visibility. Police added: “We are urging all motorists to prioritise road safety, obey speed limits, and remain vigilant while driving. Your actions can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and protecting lives. We don’t ever want to be knocking on someone’s door to deliver the worst possible news a family could hear so please take that extra time and care when on the roads – and help save lives.

“We appreciate the support and cooperation of our communities in reporting any instances of dangerous driving. Your valuable information helps us take appropriate action and prevent potential harm.”