Dozens fined after nuisance car racing in Medway

Almost 50 fines have been handed out in one night to nuisance drivers disturbing Medway residents.

Kent Police was called at midnight on Saturday 20 June 2026 to reports of a large assembly of car enthusiasts revving their engines and racing on Ratcliffe Highway, Hoo.

Dispersed

Officers attended and estimated 30 to 40 cars were present, either racing or spectating. Using the patrol car’s presence to disperse the vehicles, officers also noted the number plates of those present.

Around 20 minutes later, a second meet was reported on Hoath Way, Rainham. Officers attended the scene and dispersed that group too.

Fines

Due to the excess noise, speeding and racing on a public road, those present had breached the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place across Medway. This order allows officers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to people who commit antisocial behaviour or cause a nuisance within the district.

Two FPNs were handed out on the night with a further 47 distributed retroactively to the cars’ owners. Those given FPNs face a fine of up to £100 each, reduced to £70 if paid within 21 days.

Partnership

The patrol was part of a collaboration with Medway Council in which Kent Police’s Special Constabulary monitors nuisance vehicle hotspots with officers from the authority’s Public Protection Community Safety Team.

Inspector Allen Searle said:

‘We sympathise with the public and don’t underestimate the impact antisocial and nuisance behaviour can have on a community. ‘Kent Police is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour head-on across the county as part of robust plans to keep disruption to a minimum. ‘Saturday’s activity proves the importance of orders like PSPOs, as they allow us to take stronger action against those disturbing the peace and safety of our communities. ‘Residents are our best source of information so we’d like to thank those who reported these car meets and urge anyone experiencing similar disturbances to do the same. ‘We’re glad that we managed to secure so many fines on this occasion, which will hopefully discourage those in attendance from congregating in the future.’

Cllr Alex Paterson, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Highways and Enforcement, said:

'We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour in Medway, and I would like to personally thank the officers from both Kent Police and Medway Council for showing that in practice last weekend. 'I think this sends a strong message to other people, and it is a fantastic example of partnership working. I would also echo Inspector Searle’s call to action – this disruptive and potentially dangerous action was able to be closed down thanks to residents making reports – and we would urge people to continue to do so in the future.'