Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has unanimously backed a motion calling on the Government to introduce tougher legislation against illegal street racing and dangerous vehicle-related anti-social behaviour.
The council is demanding that courts be given clear powers to permanently confiscate and destroy vehicles deliberately used in street racing following a conviction. Current powers allow police to seize vehicles, but owners can sometimes reclaim them.
Problem Areas Across the Borough
The motion follows ongoing concerns about car cruising and street racing in areas including Wolstanton Retail Park, the A34 corridor and Lymedale Industrial Estate.
Council Leader Jonathan Gullis, who proposed the motion, said: "Residents have every right to feel safe in their own homes and neighbourhoods without being terrorised by reckless idiots treating our public roads like their own personal racetrack."
Proposed Safeguards
The council's proposals include legal protections for innocent third parties, including owners whose vehicles have been stolen or used without their consent, and legitimate hire and leasing companies.
Camera Installation and Police Partnership
Political group leaders will write a joint letter to EON, which manages street lampposts, seeking agreement to install more cameras in relevant areas.
The borough introduced a Car Cruising Public Space Protection Order in November 2024, giving police enhanced powers to tackle street racing and car cruising.
Next Steps
The council will write to the borough's three Labour MPs – Adam Jogee, David Williams and Leigh Ingham – inviting them to co-sign a cross-party letter to the Home Secretary and Transport Secretary supporting the proposed reforms.
The motion will be shared with Staffordshire Police. The council will discuss possible joint actions with Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire County Council and the Community Safety Partnership.