Car cruising ban after complaints
LEGISLATION will come into force to ban car cruising throughout Stockport where up to 200 owners meet to show off their high-powered vehicles.
Regular meets at car parks at Heaton Lane and Newbridge Lane, in central Stockport, have seen complaints of noise, intimidation and dangerous driving.
Those taking part in the ‘Max Power’ events insist it is just friends with a common interest safely meeting but the council also says no permission has been given to use its facilities.
And it has passed an public spaces protection order, that will come into force next month, banning the events in car parks or any ‘highway or publicly accessible space.’
A local businessman is among those to have complained and is not convinced the new legislation will work.
The 54-year-old said: “The problem has been going on for 12 years, it’s a complete nightmare. The business has suffered and it’s a danger to clients.
“There’s noise and tooting of horns and members of staff have nearly been run over but nothing has been done.
“I am not at all reassured by this – how is it going to be policed when they are so understaffed? The best way would be to barrier the car park off.”
The council looked at tackling the problem last summer following complaints from residents around Newbridge Lane of meetings on Thursdays as well as sometimes Sundays and Mondays.
Events had been at Heaton Lane until building work got in the way and have switched back now the car park is open in the evenings for the new Travelodge hotel.
Drivers meet to display their cars but deny any noise or dangerous driving such as ‘doing doughnuts,’ saying the events are effectively self-policed.
The protection order bans two or more vehicle owners meeting in public and engaging in activities such as speeding, stunts, racing, driving in convoy, repeatedly sounding horns and playing loud music.
Punishment for transgressing can be an on the spot £90 fine or up to £1,000 on conviction.
Councillor Sheila Bailey, executive member for communities, said: “Car cruisers are just abusing a council facility. It is to provide parking.
“With all the new things being built in Stockport centre we have to ensure people can come without being intimidated.
“There has been endless trouble for people trying to go the Plaza or the new Travelodge, who are being told they can’t use the car park.
“There is noise, instances of driving at speed, they have even set up a food outlet, it is totally unacceptable.
“If people disobey or refuse to accept the order there will be consequences.”