Peterborough-wide action to stop ‘dangerous’ car cruisers proposed

Cllr Andy Coles has re-iterated calls made by fellow representatives about people taking part in a “dangerous or reckless use of their car, which can lead to criminal damage of roads, other vehicles and surrounding property”.

The Conservative member for Fletton and Woodston has submitted a motion for Wednesday evening’s Full Council meeting which calls for a Task and Finish group to be set up, with Cambridgeshire police invited to join.

The group would look at the following:

. 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 residents

.Providing advice and support to private landowners in the defence and protection of their property.”

If the motion is approved the group will then be established before reporting back its findings.

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Cllr Coles’ motion states: “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.”

Leader of the council’s Green Party Cllr Julie Howell said: “I have worked with the police and council officers to address this problem in Orton Waterville ward for the past four years and am very pleased to second Cllr Coles’ motion.

“This is not an assault on the car cruise community. What we want is for these events to be run safely and legally and to bring to an end anti-social driving of cars near residential estates and on public roads.”

The agenda for the meeting can be read at: https://democracy.peterborough.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=139&MId=4506.