An injunction to stop car cruising in Stevenage has been extended by five years.

Following a car cruising crash on Monkswood Way that saw 19 people injured in July 2019, Stevenage Borough Council was originally granted a two-year injunction to stop car cruising in the town at the High Court in December 2020.

The injunction, which has a power of arrest attached, has now been extended for five years, until January 31, 2028, after a successful application by the council and Hertfordshire police.

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The following activities are subject to restrictions in the district of Stevenage:

  • Driving at excessive speed, or otherwise dangerously
  • Driving in convoy
  • Racing against other motor vehicles
  • Performing stunts in or on motor vehicles
  • Sounding horns or playing radios
  • Dropping litter
  • Supplying or using illegal drugs
  • Urinating in public
  • Shouting or abusing, threatening or otherwise intimidating another person
  • Obstructing any other road user

Councillor Richard Henry, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “We’re pleased the injunction will be granted for a further five years, protecting our residents from this dangerous and highly disruptive behaviour.

“The court’s decision means the problem can continue to be controlled over the long-term, and that participating, organising and promoting car cruising will continue to be prohibited in Stevenage going forward.”

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Chief inspector for Stevenage, Graeme Walsingham, added: “We have been working in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council to make sure we do not see a repeat of the horrific collision that occurred after that cruise event in 2019.

“As a result of the injunction extension, we continue to have powers to prevent the kind of activity that caused the incident, and we will take swift action against those who ignore this legislation. My officers will continue to patrol hot spot locations and deal robustly with those people who flout these new rules.”

The 2019 crash happened during an unauthorised car cruise event. Two cars collided at the exit of the Roaring Meg South car park on Monkswood Way, before ploughing into a crowd of spectators.

Two men - Dominic Brown, 21, from St Albans, and Julian Castano-Perez, 21, from Dunmow in Essex - were jailed for five and four years respectively after pleading guilty to serious injury by dangerous driving, and wanton/furious driving.