Dispersal orders brought in after car racing in Worcester and Droitwich
West Mercia Police have issued two dispersal notices for this weekend following reports of cars racing along roads late at night.
On a number of occasions vehicles have gathered at various locations in Worcester for planned meetings before moving onto Droitwich. Vehicles are then driven at dangerous speeds in races with large groups of people spectating.
The dispersal order has been imposed under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Dispersal orders make it an offence for anyone to return to a specific area for up to 48 hours. The order starts from 6pm this evening (Friday 16 April).
Inspector Dave Troth said: “The meetings have caused members of the nearby local community to feel concerned, intimidated and distressed particularly at the noise and sheer volume of people and vehicles gathering.
“These planned meetings have also caused disruption and delay to users of the roads concerned due to the roads being blocked by the vehicles and the spectators.
“From tonight we will have additional officers out on patrols to help enforce the dispersal order and provide reassurance to local residents. This type of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. We will continue to closely monitor this situation closely even after the dispersal notice finishes.”
- In Worcester the dispersal notice covers: the A4440 between island at junction of Dugdale Drive and island at junction of A44 including surrounding areas, the industrial estate and the car parks of nearby food outlets.
- In Droitwich the dispersal notice covers the A442 between 'Big Bear' Island and the Westlands Island, Droitwich and the surrounding area including parts of the Berry Hill Industrial Estate and the car parks of nearby retail outlets.