Street racers are blighting the lives of residents in parts of the West Midlands with 'loud noise, illegal driving and group gatherings'. The drivers are congregating on the A449 Stafford Road in South Staffordshire, near Wolverhampton, where they are driving in an 'anti-social-manner', Staffordshire Police has warned.
A force spokesperson said residents have made reports of motorists 'gathering in groups late at night, driving at excess speeds, sounding horns, playing loud music and revving engines'. Officers have warned they have powers under Section 59 (of Police Reform Act 2002) to seize vehicles 'being driven in an anti-social manner in the area'.
Signs warning of the notice have been place on the A449 for a 1-mile stretch, between the road's junction with the M54 and Brewood Road. The signs are located on both sides of the dual carriageway.
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Pc Wayne Green, from the South Staffordshire LPT, said: "The Section 59 warning notices count as a first warning to motorists who drive in an anti-social manner. We are currently in the process of working on securing a High Court injunction, which if granted will forbid anyone from taking part in street cruising in the area, or from promoting it.
"Officers are gathering evidence by engaging with local residents whose lives are blighted by this illegal activity. The signs will serve as a deterrent and offer much-needed reassurance to the local community while we do this. Please be in no doubt; any motorist caught driving in an anti-social manner, or without due care and attention, will have their vehicle seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002."
Staffordshire Police said Section 59 signs will also be installed at the start of the M54, heading along the A460 Cannock Road towards Shareshill. Councillor Roger Lees, leader of South Staffordshire Council, added: "We are painfully aware of the nuisance and danger car cruising can pose for local residents.
"With this in mind, we are working hard alongside Staffordshire Police on the campaign work to deter car cruisers along the A449, the A460, and further afield. This includes the pursuit of a High Court Injunction in the area. We are also engaging with neighbouring authorities with a view to achieving a cross-border solution to car cruising."
