NEWS: Residents welcome PSPO to curb illegal street racing

Residents living around roads police say are being used for illegal street racing have said it regularly goes on into the early hours.

Council decision-makers have decided to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on Damson Parkway, Elmdon, and Bickenhill Parkway, Marston Green to prevent the activity – a move welcomed by many locals.

Since the Local Democracy Reporting Service first reported the potential PSPO residents around the roads had called it a “nightmare” with racers out till after 1am on social media.

A LDRS reporter visited the area and saw how the sound of cars travelling at speed echoes around the area near Birmingham Airport.

A young mum living in the area said: “It varies when I hear it, you lose track of time but it is late at night.

“We hear the revving of loud exhausts.”

Some residents said they hadn’t noticed the noise due to having tree sound proofing and their bedrooms at the back of properties not backing onto the road.

But a  Burgess Croft resident told us: “We are aware of it though, it certainly needs looking into – it’s awful.”

A Kendal Grove resident said “Late at night I hear pops and bangs from cars.

“I didn’t know about the racing but cars speed down there.

“We have been here a year. It’s meant to be a 40mph road but people go 60, 70mph.

“I’m a good sleeper but if I’m going to sleep I hear it.  It’s definitely good something is being done.”

Council officers found the two key roads were “disproportionately affected” based on analysis from police calls made over a three year period.

And they said the anti-social behaviour included “excessive noise, reckless driving, and intimidation of passers-by”.

The PSPO was discussed at the cabinet portfolio holder for communities, Councillor Wazma Qais’ latest decision session on March 18. 

During the meeting Councillor Laura McCarthy, ward councillor for Elmdon, said: “Elmdon residents really appreciate it.

“I’m very familiar with the issues on Damson Parkway. It is overdue and very much needed.”

Councillor Ben Groom said: “I am really supportive of this, it is a good idea.”

Coun Qais said: “It is important these PSPOs are driven by strong evidence, identified by the police and that’s where we are now.”

She agreed to introduce the PSPO which will be in place for three years.

Among the now banned activities are:

• Gathering for a vehicle race to participate or watch
• Revving of engines
• Repeated sudden and rapid acceleration
• Performing stunts
• Sounding horns
• Playing music from a vehicle
• Causing an obstruction on a public highway, whether in a moving or stationary vehicle including driving in a convoy
• Using threatening, intimidating behaviour or language towards others

A first breach of the order will result in a warning, followed by the issuing of a fixed penalty notice of £100 for further breaches.

Prosecution is considered when non-compliance persists with a maximum penalty of a £2,500 fine.