Night driving restrictions introduced across key regions to clamp down on anti-social behaviour

Hemma Visavadia
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:01 +0000

Drivers involved in illegal street racing have been banned from using roads during key hours under a sweeping High Court order targeting anti-social behaviour.

The injunction, granted to the City of Wolverhampton Council, covers Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall and prevents gathering on roads between 3pm and 7am, with offenders facing arrest.

The ban will remain in place until at least March 1, 2027, and was secured by the council, supported by West Midlands Police, in a bid to clamp down on dangerous driving and late-night disruption.

Under the order, any meet-ups involving racing, stunts or reckless driving are prohibited. The rules are broad and do not just apply to those behind the wheel.

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Passengers, organisers and even spectators can all fall foul of the law if they attend gatherings where illegal driving is expected.

In effect, anyone turning up to watch or take part in street racing during the restricted hours could be breaching the injunction.

The court also outlined specific behaviours that are banned. These include burnouts, spinning tyres while stationary, and "donutting", where cars spin in tight circles to create smoke and noise.

Drifting and illegal undertaking will also be prohibited, but officials made clear the list is not exhaustive, meaning any dangerous stunt driving linked to these events could lead to action.

Police have been given strong powers to enforce the order. A power of arrest is attached, allowing officers to detain anyone suspected of breaching the rules.

Breaking the injunction is also classed as contempt of court, a serious offence that can carry prison sentences, fines or even the seizure of assets.

West Midlands Police explained that the public can help tackle the problem through its Operation Snap scheme.

The force said: "We want to make sure our roads are as safe as possible for all users. That's why we have Operation Snap, and we need your help."

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Drivers who are found to be committing offences can be reported using dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage.

The force added: "If you see anyone committing driving offences on our roads and it's captured on your dashcam, CCTV or a mobile phone by a passenger, we want you to send it in to us."

Offences which can be reported include dangerous driving, using a mobile phone at the wheel, not wearing a seatbelt and running red lights.

Each submission is reviewed, with action taken where appropriate. "Every piece of footage sent to Op Snap is reviewed by specially-trained staff. If an offence is identified, the driver can be prosecuted or told to take a driver improvement course."

However, there are strict conditions. Footage must usually be submitted within seven days and should show the full incident. Police also issued a warning about sharing clips online.

They said: "It is very important that you do not post footage elsewhere prior to and while any action is being taken by the police or courts. Failing to follow it could mean a case has to be dropped."

In February, Dudley Council requested to discontinue the injunction it had in place to tackle street racing, and would instead use alternative powers at its disposal to tackle street racing locally.