Police to crack down on illegal car meets
Dispersal orders are being put in place for two areas around Southampton
Police are issuing dispersal orders for the weekend in two areas around Southampton, in order to combat anti-social behaviour linked to car meets.
The orders have been put in place in Calmore and Nursling following information received about car meets in these areas, and follows similar events in January.
It means officers have the opportunity to ban those suspected of committing, or who are likely to commit, anti-social behaviour from an area for up to 48 hours.
They are also able to seize any items – including vehicles - used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.
In Nursling, a Section 35 order will focus on the Nursling Industrial Estate and will be in place from 6pm on Friday (February 11th) until 6am on Sunday (13th).
The order in Calmore covers the same time period across the Industrial Estate, the Morrisons supermarket on Spruce Drive and the Asda supermarket on Maynard Road.
Hampshire Constabulary has said it is considering further enforcement orders if meets take place outside of those areas.
Inspector Chris Taylor, Test Valley District Inspector, said:
“We are aware that there have been multiple incidents of large gatherings of cars meeting in Nursling and Calmore since the beginning of the year.
“Clearly not all members of the car community will engage in anti-social behaviour at these events. However, previously we have had reports of street racing, damage to road surfaces, noise and dangerous driving, all of which have caused alarm and distress to local residents.
“We ask all drivers to act responsibly and drive safely. Illegal and anti-social behaviour will not go unchallenged, and action can include seizing vehicles, penalty notices, notifying insurance companies, dispersal notices or arrest and prosecution where necessary.
“Our operation is not aimed at people meeting in their cars peacefully, simply those disrupting local communities and acting in an anti-social manner.”