Car enthusiasts in South Yorkshire encouraged to 'prioritise' safety
We've been speaking to South Yorkshire Police about planned 'car meets' ahead of an event in Rotherham this weekend
Car enthusiasts across South Yorkshire are being urged to work alongside roads policing officers to ensure everyone can have an enjoyable and safe time.
Roads Policing Officers insist they're passionate about cars and are all for people meeting and enjoying each other’s vehicles, but say it must be done in a safe way.
They are urging those who meet to work alongside them following recent events in which a man suffered life altering injuries.
Roads Policing Inspector Mark Smith said: “We have excellent relationships with a number of groups who organise car meets across South Yorkshire.
“We work closely with them to ensure they get the best out of their meets and to ensure our communities aren’t blighted by something which is unsafe or out of control.
“However, some groups fail to engage with us and are posing a risk to our communities and innocent members of the public; behaviour which will not be tolerated.”
Powers of dispersal, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, could be used against those that gather at unauthorised events and checks will be conducted against drivers’ insurance, licence and car modifications.
Those driving anti-socially may find themselves formally warned and cars seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.
Inspector Smith continued: “We continue to express our willingness to work with those organising events. If you are organising a meet and want to get in touch, please do so via email at CarCruise@southyorks.pnn.police.uk
“We are not here to ‘ruin’ your fun, but to ensure everyone is safe.”