New group will plan how to stop anti-social car cruising in Peterborough

Last month, city councillors agreed a motion to form a cross-party Task and Finish group which will propose initiatives to “prevent, or mitigate the impacts of, unauthorised car meets in Peterborough”.

On Tuesday, members of the authority’s Adults and Communities Scrutiny Committee will formalise the working group which is due to include representatives from police, fire and rescue, the city’s Prevention and Enforcement Service and highways.

The group’s aim is to review good practice from other places, as well as use discussions with expert witnesses, research, analysis of data and interviews with councillors to develop proposals that set out:

. All available powers that are able to prevent unauthorised, anti-social, dangerous car meets from taking place or continuing

. What other legislative powers may be obtained to help address this issue

. Proposals for working with organisers to facilitate, where possible, safe events for static car meets that are lawful and non-disruptive to residents

. Advice and support to private landowners in the defence and protection of their property.

The original motion was proposed by Conservative member for Fletton and Woodston Cllr Andy Coles and seconded by Green Party member for Orton Waterville Cllr Julie Howell.

It stated: “For some time, councillors representing wards across Peterborough have received several complaints from residents about the anti-social behaviour of car cruisers, drift racers and drivers performing stunts and tricks on local roads and in car parks.

“The council appreciates that static car meets are a popular event and many local residents enjoy showing off their cars to fellow enthusiasts. However, most of these meets are not organised with prior notice to the landowner - the organisers of these events do not seek or obtain authority to hold these events on council-owned or private land.

“They often occupy central locations in the middle of residential areas and there are no controls on who attends.

“A small number of people participating take part in dangerous or reckless use of their car, which can lead to criminal damage of roads, other vehicles and surrounding property. Some drivers also risk injuring themselves, other road users, cyclists and pedestrians as they do not have full control of their vehicles.

“Driving in this way can also be used as a form of intimidation, either to other road users or the community. Loud noise from engines and music, and deliberately creating large amounts of exhaust or tyre smoke, can also take place and continue through to the early hours, disturbing residents’ rest.

“Many councils around the country have taken action to ban car cruising, racing and stunt driving.

“There are many good examples showing how to initiate city-wide action that prevents these anti-social incursions into quiet residential areas.”