Flares and fireworks set off at 'dangerous' Colwick car meet with more than 100 vehicles
Flares and fireworks were set off in the middle of roundabouts as more than 100 vehicles gathered in Colwick on New Year's Eve. Nottinghamshire Police says it is continuing to tackle the issue of car meets in Gedling after the latest incident put "people at risk of serious harm".
One driver has since been fined £100 for being in breach of a public space protection order (PSPO), implemented in June 2023. The order stops car cruisers congregating in areas including Netherfield and Colwick and gives officers the power to issue fines.
A PSPO was previously in place between January 2018 and January 2021 and the rules do not only apply to drivers, but to passengers and spectators as well.
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People in parts of Netherfield and Colwick previously faced disruption for months due to people racing their vehicles and revving their engines around the Colwick Loop Road, Mile End Road and the Victoria Retail Park. Although incidents have since reduced, the New Year's Eve incident in Colwick again saw dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour.
Gedling Inspector Heather Harding said: "Car cruising, racing, and dangerous driving puts the people in our community at risk as well as those taking part. This incident on New Year's Eve saw around 100 vehicles meet up in one place, cars lose control and flares set off that affected other drivers – putting people at serious risk of harm.
"This type of activity is something we've been working on reducing for several years and we are continuing to listen to residents in the affected areas to reduce this type of crime. We're continuing to work closely with the council to tackle the issue and we'll continue taking action against anyone found to be breaching the order or taking part in criminality.
"We want everyone using our roads to be safe so if you are racing, causing a nuisance, and placing other motorists and pedestrians at risk, expect us to take action." Since the introduction of the PSPO in June 2023, 16 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued, all of which have been paid in full.
Councillor John Clarke, Gedling Borough Council's leader, added: "We take breaches of the PSPO very seriously, and this recent case highlights the importance of these measures in addressing anti-social behaviour. We know the damage that these illegal gatherings create for local communities and we are doing everything we can to put a stop to them."