Milton Keynes City Council and Thames Valley Police (TVP) are warning people engaging in dangerous car cruising that they will be caught and punished.
In recent weeks the city council has been working closely with TVP to curb anti-social and dangerous drivers in the city, which has resulted in multiple arrests and tickets issued for vehicle offences.
In addition to increased police presence, specialised CCTV cameras are being operated in various locations across the city to deter dangerous car cruising, which means that if offenders are not given a ticket immediately, they can expect enforcement action in the post. The action led by TVP and the city council is designed to catch those that engage in reckless driving, speeding and other activities which contravene the Public Space Protection Order relating to driver behaviour which is both dangerous and disrupts residents.
“We’re not out there to catch people out, we’re here to stop people using their cars dangerously. For too long our residents have suffered sleepless nights from excessively loud exhausts, blaring music and the risks associated with reckless driving. We’ll continue to work with our partners at TVP to tackle this issue.”
“I take no issue with genuine car enthusiasts who want to come to Milton Keynes city centre and enjoy a hobby with friends and family. However to those who contribute to a public nuisance (through excessive noise and conduct), behave in an antisocial manner or drive recklessly or dangerously on our roads and car parks, my message is clear: You can expect to be dealt with firmly for any breaches in the law or the Public Safety Protection Order (PSPO).
This PSPO was instigated following a large number of local residents advising us and the City Council that the car cruise events were affecting their lives in a negative way. So we will use the legislation now available to resolve this. In recent weeks we have increased our policing presence at these meets to ensure that those who want to meet can do so safely and those who want to commit offences are dealt with robustly. We will not allow our residents to feel unsafe or be put in danger on our roads.
In partnership with the City Council we are developing ways to use more technology to recognise breaches of the law and prosecute the more minor offences via the postal system, as well as via police attendance at the events. So several people have discovered fines waiting for them on their doorstep in recent weeks. We have also taken immediate action with those using their vehicle in an anti-social way, through unnecessary noise or ‘displaying’. The action in Milton Keynes forms part of a wider plan across Thames Valley with our Joint Operations Unit and we will use all the tactics and options available to make our roads and car parks safer.”