Community Protection Warnings issued after Dartford car meet
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A joint operation between police and council partners to tackle antisocial driving in Dartford has resulted in community warnings being issued.
Throughout September, marked and unmarked police cars have attended areas identified as hotspots for nuisance driving, including Bob Dunn Way, University Way and Crossways Boulevard.
On Friday 11 September, one of these patrols was alerted by residents to a group of drivers racing on Shepherds Lane, Dartford.
Officers immediately attended the location, gaining evidence and dispersing those present.
Working with Dartford Borough Council, 26 Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) were issued to drivers that were identified as being in the area.
This means that those 26 people must comply with the conditions of Dartford’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), otherwise they will receive a Community Protection Notice. If they don’t abide by the notice, they can be fined or face other legal action.
The PSPO states that no one should come into the Dartford area for the purpose of racing cars or watching vehicles race. Behaviour including revving engines, performing stunts, and making excessive noise is also forbidden.
Inspector Jamie Little said:
‘This is an excellent example of our heightened vigilance and presence that will hopefully bring comfort to local residents. ‘We appreciate the impact such nuisance driving causes, and these CPWs should kerb that behaviour with the threat of fines or legal action if the behaviour persists. ‘Residents should report any car meets or antisocial driving immediately, as this will allow us to respond in a timely manner and catch them in the act.’
Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, said:
‘Residents have every right to enjoy their homes and neighbourhoods without being disturbed by racing cars, excessive noise, and antisocial behaviour. ‘Our message is simple: Dartford is not a race track. We’ll continue working with the police to take action against those who treat it like one.’