Warning signs to put brakes on car cruisers

Signs warning against the anti-social use of vehicles have been installed along the A449 Stafford Road in South Staffordshire, as our officers continue to crackdown on street cruising.

The signs warn motorists that a Section 59 notice is in force. This gives our officers authority to seize vehicles being driven in an anti-social manner in the area.

They are located from the A449/M54 junction to the island junction with Brewood Road, on the north and southbound carriageways.

It comes after reports from residents of motorists gathering in groups late at night, driving at excess speeds, sounding horns, playing loud music and revving engines.

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.”

Section 59 signs will also be installed at the start of the M54, heading along the A460 Cannock Road towards Shareshill.

Leader of South Staffordshire Council, Councillor Roger Lees, said: “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.”

Read more about anti-social-behaviour involving vehicles, here: Vehicle nuisance involving cars, bikes and mopeds | Staffordshire Police