Park and ride car cruisers could be arrested – police
PATROLS SWOOP DURING EVENT ‘BEDLAM’
DRIVERS turning up for antisocial car meets at Toton Park and Ride may be arrested, say Nottinghamshire Police.
Inspector Mike Ebbins promised that the force would “take appropriate action” against those causing the nuisance residents have complained about for years.
On Saturday, March 9, more than 100 car cruisers turned up for an event one resident described as “bedlam”.
Those nearby were kept awake by screeching car wheels and the smell of smoke as owners showed off their vehicles – despite speed bumps being installed just a week earlier because of the meets.
Tram operator NET said it would work with police and authorities including Broxtowe Borough Council and Nottingham City Council, which owns the land, to find a solution.
Nobody was arrested, but police turned up and ordered the crowd to disperse. Police also captured footage of cars and registration plates.
A man who had filmed the event said he was threatened by attendees “effing and blinding” at him and trying to snatch his phone.
Inspector Ebbins promised that those driving anti-socially “may find themselves prosecuted and have their cars seized”.
He said: “Officers attended and captured evidence after reports of a large car meeting involving more than 100 cars at Toton Lane tram stop. Details of vehicles involved were recorded on body-worn video cameras as drivers dispersed from the area. Our inquiries are ongoing, including reviewing CCTV footage, to identify these vehicles and their owners.
“My team of officers will continue to work closely with Nottingham Express Transit (NET) to tackle this issue and take appropriate action against those responsible for anti-social behaviour.
“The challenge we face with large regional car meets of this nature is that they are nationally organised.
“It’s not just a Broxtowe issue. These events are impacting right across the region.
“However, we do take concerns of anti-social behaviour seriously and we will continue to work with our partners including NET to proactively tackle this issue and take appropriate action.”
The area will continue to be visited by police at times when meets are likely to take place.
Inspector Ebbins urged drivers to “act responsibly and within the law and think about the consequences and impact of their actions on our local residents”.
He added: “We understand people’s passion for their vehicles and desire to come together but cannot condone anti-social behaviour impacting on our local people and dangerous and irresponsible driving on our roads which puts the safety of other road users at risk.”