Nuisance ‘car cruisers’ warned their vehicles could be seized by police

POLICE have warned drivers turning up to “car cruises” on a relief road that their vehicles could be seized if they behave in an anti-social manner.

Residents say they are fed up because the loud screeching of tyres and the revving of engines are a common occurrence in Castle Donington, with more than 100 vehicles sometimes congregating.

Police have now erected signs warning that any vehicle used in antisocial behaviour will be seized.

It comes following a successful recent police operation to target car congregations in the area, including the use of the force’s drone.

A North West Leicestershire Police spokesman said: “Residents and businesses of Castle Donington reported vehicle anti-social behaviour by ‘boy racers’ (numbering more than 100) street racing, drifting and letting of industrial fireworks during ‘car cruisers’ centred on the Arundel Avenue (M&S Distribution), the ‘new’ western relief road and the East Midlands Airport viewing areas.

“A ‘public space protection order’ is currently in consultation stage and once approved will, in combination with the planned CCTV/ANPR, (automatic number plate recognition) allow enforcement officers and police officers to issue £100 fixed penalty notices for failing to comply.

“Officers have posted police section 59 signage which notifies that if a vehicle is used in a manner that causes anti-social behaviour it will be seized without further warning.

“This is in addition to police issuing costly fixed penalty notices for Covid-19 violations.”

North West Leicestershire District Council would have to approve the order and is seeking residents’ views. A spokesman said: “Unfortunately, the behaviours of these individuals are not only causing considerable noise disturbance, environmental damage and disruption to business premises it is also considered extremely dangerous to anyone in the area at the time.”