'Better than going clubbing': Why is the West Midlands the street racing capital of the UK?
If you have ever driven through the West Midlands, you might have seen a bright yellow sign, warning drivers that "car cruising and street racing is prohibited'".
The signs are a reminder of a High Court injunction, banning street cruising in Birmingham and the Black Country.
In 2019, Birmingham was named the "street racing capital of the UK' after figures from the DVLA showed the city had the most drivers convicted of motor racing.
What is street racing/car cruising?
Street racing is an illegal form of motor racing that takes place on public roads.
It involves high-speed racing and other reckless driving manoeuvres, often organised through social media or other online channels.
The events are dangerous, involving risks to participants, spectators, and other road users.
Car cruising refers to gatherings of car enthusiasts, often involving driving slowly and deliberately, sometimes with the intention of showcasing vehicles or engaging in risky behaviour like speeding or stunts.
How did the Midlands become such a hot-spot for street racing?
1986
From 1986 to 1990, Birmingham hosted the Superprix Circuit - a racing event on closed public roads through the city.
The event was hugely popular, gaining live television coverage and large crowds.
However, it only lasted for five years when the organisation was put out to tender after no one bid to host the 1990 race.
That marked the end of England's only legal street race.
2016
In October 2016, Birmingham City Council secured a High Court injunction prohibiting street cruising in the city.
The injunction bans people from participating in, organising, or promoting street cruising events, which include driving in convoy, racing, or performing stunts.
Included in the injunction are limits on events that cause excessive noise, pose a danger to road users, or damage property, and means that organisers and attendees of car cruising meets can be prosecuted.
2018
In May 2018, Atif Qasim became the first person to be jailed for flouting the car cruising injunction.
He received a seven-month sentence after reaching up to 90mph in his Volkswagen Golf along the A47 Heartlands Parkway near Star City.
2019
In July 2019, West Midlands Police released drone footage of the moment they broke up an illegal street racing meet of around a hundred people on the A38 in Birmingham.
Spectators had lined the streets to watch the race on Sunday, 14 July, between Minworth and Bassets Pole, and Heartland Parkway in Nechells.
Roadblocks were put in place, and stop checks carried out on drivers.
In the same year, the DVLA released figures which showed Birmingham had the most convictions for "motor racing on the highway" in the country.
2024
At Birmingham High Court on 27 February 2024, a High Court order banning street cruising across Birmingham was granted to Birmingham City Council.
A full three-year injunction is now in place until 27 February 2027, replacing an interim order made in December 2022.
The ban also covers Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall.
Anyone caught cruising - even as a passenger - can now face up to two years in prison, a £5,000 fine or have their vehicle seized on the spot.
2025
In the last 6 months:
15 people have been arrested for breaching the injunction.
£40,000 in fines have been handed out.
640 days of suspended sentences were given to drivers.
So far this year, officers have issued more than 90 dispersal orders at street racing hotspots. Anyone refusing to leave can be forcibly removed or arrested.
The arrests were made as part of "Operation Hercules" - a campaign to arrest people involved in street racing, car cruising, or anti-social or dangerous driving.
"It's better than going out clubbing"
in Birmingham about why they are involved in it, despite the dangers.
One driver told us "I love cars. It's better than going out clubbing. This is a hobby. It can be safe, it can be dangerous. We try to keep it as safe as we can so everyone can enjoy it.
"Adrenaline is a big thing. Mainly, it's because I feel like I have a connection with my car. It brings me happiness.
"I know that I will drive sensibly and make sure I'm not doing anything erratic."
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