Over the weekend, roads policing officers hunted out a car meet moving through South Yorkshire, reporting drivers, issuing tickets and enforcing the message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
South Yorkshire Police said:
‘Using our roads as a race track, blighting our communities with anti-social behaviour, and posing a risk to other road users will be robustly dealt with, and as drivers now face court, or having their vehicle seized, our warning continues.
‘On Saturday night (2 August) roads policing officers attended reports of cars gathering at Carlton Industrial Estate, racing up and down on the roads. Officers responded and the group had dispersed prior to their arrival, but were quickly followed and located near to Junction 37.
‘Officers closed the road and blocked over 30 drivers and their vehicles. The drivers were not permitted to leave until they had their vehicle and documents checked. All drivers were found to have travelled from the Nottinghamshire and West Yorkshire areas.
‘Several drivers received a warning under the Police Reform Act, meaning if their vehicles are caught to be driving in an anti-social within the next year, their vehicle will be automatically seized.
‘As the drivers were allowed to leave, reports were quickly received alleging that cars were racing along the M1. Officers responded and two drivers were stopped, issued traffic offence reports and reported on summons for their manner of driving.
‘Three drivers will receive letters in the post reporting them on summons to appear at court for their actions.
‘Knowing regular routes, the car meet descended up to Corton Wood, but roads policing officers were already waiting for them, meaning drivers left the area.’
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: “We regularly publicise the work we are doing around car meets and our efforts will not reduce.
“Our message is simple: using the roads of South Yorkshire as a racetrack will not be tolerated.
“We saw last week a man jailed for a collision at a car meet that resulted in a motorcyclist losing a leg. Anyone thinking this is harmless fun is mistaken and those either living here, or travelling to our county, can expect our attention if they intend to behave recklessly and endanger lives.
“We will use every opportunity to take action where we can, including prosecution, seizing vehicles and informing insurance companies.”
Our efforts to create safer roads continues, with our overall aim to reduce casualties and fatalities on our roads, but requires effort from everyone- do your part.