Driver arrested after vehicles seen 'racing at 130mph' during car meet

Hampshire police said someone could have been killed at a car meet involving more than 1,500 people and 400 cars

Many of the respondents said traffic was the main cause of poor air quality in Dorset
Author: Ben Mitchell, PA Published 31st Jan 2022

Two vehicles were spotted racing in excess of 130mph on the A27.

Hampshire officers were alerted to 50 vehicles meeting at Rownhams services on the M27 motorway near Southampton.

The vehicles moved on to an Asda supermarket in Havant and then to the car park of Sainsbury's in Farlington, Portsmouth, where more than 1,500 people and 400 cars congregated.

A force spokesman said that two cars were stopped after they were seen "racing" on the A27 at speeds in excess of 130mph and one of the drivers was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving.

Two drivers were also reported for careless driving, two were fined for number plate offences and two were issued with S59 warnings, meaning police can seize their vehicles if they continue to commit anti-social behaviour.

Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg, of Hampshire Police's roads policing unit, said: "We know these events can be of great concern to the local community due to the noise, anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving.

"The majority of car enthusiasts want to meet because they are passionate about their hobby, however as last night's activity demonstrates there are a minority who cause disruption and put members of the public at serious risk.

"By travelling at extremely high speeds and under the influence of drugs, you could kill someone, including yourself. This behaviour is simply not acceptable."

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