Crackdown on car stunt maniacs

Irresponsible car owners who have plagued an Erewash town by meeting up to use its main road as a stunt track face a police and council crackdown on antics that include performing “donuts” as they skid around roundabouts.

Dangerous drivers have sparked growing safety fears by roaring up and down Chalons Way in Ilkeston, revving engines and squealing tyres – usually at weekends after dark – and enraging residents sufficiently to result in Police officers being repeatedly called about the problem.

The proposed new clampdown uses laws to combat anti-social behaviour. It would see the car show-offs risk instant fines of up to £100 under what is known as a PSPO – Public Space Protection Order. The penalty for breaching the order can rise to £1,000 if the case goes to court. 

Deputy Borough Council Leader, Councillor Becca Everett, who is also Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: "The PSPO gives the police and council officers additional powers to clamp down – not only on participants in the vehicles but spectators and those who organise such events."

The council has to canvass local people before imposing a PSPO. Residents have until 5:00pm on 1st January 2025 to give their views here: PSPO Consultation.

For more information, please visit www.erewash.gov.uk/pspo or email communitysafety @ erewash.gov.uk   

The move comes after a shocking video emerged online showing a BMW driver brazenly performing donuts on Chalons Way while being chased by a police van.

The footage was filmed from a pedestrian bridge over the dual carriageway just before 1.30am on a Sunday. It is not clear if the driver was caught. 

Referencing the incident, a spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary said: “We received several reports that a group of cars were racing on Chalons Way. One of the cars, a white BMW 3 series, is shown in a video which has been uploaded to social media. The BMW can be seen driving dangerously around the roundabout which links Chalons Way to Station Road. An investigation into the incident is underway.” 

Inspector Matt Ladd, from the Erewash Local Policing Unit said: “We know the impact this behaviour is having on our local communities, and we welcome the move by the council to launch this consultation.  We urge local residents and anyone impacted by this to show their support.”