Police to join city council’s task group to tackle illegal car cruising in Peterborough

A task and finish group is to be created by the council to look into issues surrounding illegal car cruising and the associated anti-social behaviour.
Members of the Adults and Communities Scrutiny Committee were addressed at their online meeting this week, by Adrian Chapman, Service Director, who said: “Car cruising and the associated Anti-Social Behaviour is a current and challenging issue in Peterborough.

“Which is why we are being asked to set-up a Task and Finish Group to look into the matter, and come up with solutions that will hopefully alleviate some of the misery currently being endured by citizens in the areas where these illegal activities are taking place.

“At Full Council on October 21, a motion presented by Cllr Andy Coles was agreed requesting the formation of a task and finish group to examine issues relating to car cruises in Peterborough.

“Cllr Coles stated at the time that 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 antisocial incursions into quiet residential areas.”

The agreed motion stated that the group would investigate these matters with terms of reference that included inviting Cambridgeshire Constabulary to appoint a representative to join the group; ensuring that all available powers are utilised to prevent unauthorised, anti-social, dangerous car meets from taking place or continuing; exploring what other legislative powers may be obtained to help address this issue; working with organisers to facilitate, where possible, safe events for static car meets that are lawful and non-disruptive to our residents; and providing advice and support to private landowners in the defence and protection of their property.

The group would provisionally consist of: Rob Hill, Assistant Director Community Safety; Clair George, PES Head of Service Cambridgeshire Constabulary representative (tbc); Highways representative (tbc); Cambs Fire and Rescue (tbc); and Think Communities Place Co-ordinator (tbc).

Members unanimously agreed to form the task and finish group who will make recommendations to the committee on how to tackle the problem.