Car cruisers are being warned that they could face the courts if they use a stretch of road on the outskirts of Burntwood.
A new two-year injunction has been granted for the roads around the M6 Toll entrance and exit, with anyone caught cruising facing a fine or even two year prison sentence.
The injunction was put in place after local residents complained to Lichfield District Council.
Cllr Helen Fisher, Cabinet Member for Community, explained:
“Car cruising in, and around, Burntwood has been a concern for local residents, the council and police. Not only is it dangerous, because people involved drive at high speeds, it is also noisy, threatening and anti-social.
“Now the police and council have the powers to put a stop to it. Anyone caught car cruising in and around Burntwood will now have their name added to the injunction. If they are then caught again, they will face a court appearance and possible fine or prison sentence of up to two years.
“To begin with the injunction will operate on the roads near to the M6 Toll junction in Burntwood, but could be expanded to other areas to prevent the problem from spreading to different parts of the district.”
The injunction begins on April 18 and police officers have now begun an education programme aimed at explaining the penalties for car cruising.
Inspector Dave Challinor, from Burntwood Police, said:
“The injunction defines car cruising as a congregation of drivers, of two or more vehicles, between the hours of 7pm and 7am on the roads outlined. Other unacceptable activities include car racing, shouting or swearing, blocking off roads, dropping litter, playing loud music, sounding horns and more.
“Car cruisers endanger their own and other motorists’ lives by driving at excessive speed and can cause a noise and litter nuisance for local people. The injunction will give the council and the police the powers to put a stop to car cruising in and around the Burntwood area. It will improve the quality of life for the local community by robustly and directly tackling the culprits.
“It shows that the police and council will not tolerate any kind of anti social behaviour and take the strongest measures possible to make sure people are safe and secure in their communities.”
