South Glocs council to clamp down on 'car cruising'
A consultation's been launched on plans to crack down on so-called 'boy racers' in South Gloucestershire
Boy racers will be banned from every street, car park and outdoor public place in South Gloucestershire under a major new crackdown.
The council wants to prohibit “car cruising” where drivers and passengers meet to race, perform stunts and show off their souped-up cars in front of spectators.
It is consulting the public on plans to introduce an area-wide public spaces protection order (PSPO) covering the whole district, with fines of £100 for those who breach it.
The consultation said: “The PSPO is being proposed due to growing concerns regarding ‘car cruising’ activity throughout the South Gloucestershire Council area.
“Car cruises often result in reports of anti-social behaviour from residents and local businesses who are affected as well as impacting on other road users.
“In addition, these often spontaneous events place a significant demand on policing resources, local private security staff and in some cases council resources.”
It said the activity endangered other road users and pedestrians and risked damage to property, while nuisance included sounding horns, loud music, revving engines, obstructing roads or other land and drivers performing doughnuts, manoeuvre drifting, skidding, handbrake turns or wheel spinning.
The order, which the authority has the power to introduce under Antisocial Behaviour legislation, would cover all South Gloucestershire land outdoors, including anywhere that is covered but open to the air on at least one side, where the public have access or are permitted to use with or without payment.
A police or council officer could issue a £100 spot fine for anyone committing an offence.
In a statement, South Gloucestershire Council said: "We are encouraging people to have their say on proposals to introduce an area-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) due to concerns about ‘car cruising’ activity in the district.
"Car cruises often result in reports of anti-social behaviour from residents and local businesses who are affected, as well as other road users. In addition, these gatherings place a significant demand on Policing resources, local private security staff and the Council."
Residents can give their comments in the online survey until January 1 at the consultation page here.