More than 70 vehicles seized in West Midlands street racing crackdown
Police say new powers allow action at the first instance of dangerous driving
More than 70 vehicles have been seized in the West Midlands for dangerous and anti-social driving over the last three months, police have said.
West Midlands Police said its Op Hercules team seized the vehicles between 1st July and 30th September, including 35 in September alone.
The force said the seizures are part of its efforts to crack down on illegal street racing.
New powers
Changes to Section 59 of the Police Reform Act came into force on 30th June.
The force said the changes mean officers no longer need to issue a warning before taking enforcement action.
Sgt Ade Brown, from the Op Hercules team, said: "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.
"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.
"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."
The team won an award for innovation and excellence at the National Police Chiefs' Council Roads Policing Conference in Manchester last year.
Police said the team continues to adapt its approach to investigations and securing convictions.
Street racing bans and fines
There is a ban on street racing in Birmingham and the Black Country due to High Court rulings.
Anyone who breaches the ban will be in contempt of court and could face penalties including imprisonment, a fine, or an order to have their assets seized.
New Public Space Protection Orders have also been introduced, and a breach can result in fines of up to £1,000.
The orders prohibit people from driving, or being a passenger or rider, at a gathering where there is motor racing, stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.
They cover Birmingham and the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall.
How to report street racing
Police are asking people to report street racing through Live Chat on the force's website or by calling 101.
In an emergency, people should always call 999.