Residents back a ban on ‘stunt track’ antics

Erewash Borough Council has officially declared war on drivers who meet up to use a town’s main road as a “stunt track” – after enraged residents overwhelmingly backed proposals for an £100 instant fines on them.

The crackdown will see the authority impose a Public Spaces Protection Order to outlaw the antics on and around Chalons Way in Ilkeston

Borough Council leaders gave the go-ahead to the move at a summit held at Long Eaton Town Hall on Tuesday 14th January – in the wake of an online survey about the anti-social behaviour.

Local authorities need to consult residents about imposing a PSPO. Out of almost 350 who flocked to give their views 98 per cent demanded action. Some wanted the PSPO to cover an even wider area after telling how other parts of the borough – including Kirk Hallam, Stanton Gate, Breadsall and Little Eaton – have been similarly blighted. 

The secretly-arranged “car meets” – which are often attended by spectators – are  usually at weekends late at night. Residents near the hotspot of Chalons Way said they were scared to use the road in case the antics caused crashes. Children had been kept awake by the racket from revving engines and squealing tyres.

A viral video that was posted online after being taken from a bridge over the 40mph dual carriageway showed a BMW performing “donut” stunts as it circled a roundabout while pursued by a police van. Another video, which was posted on YouTube, showed dozens of drivers revving their engines nearby on Ilkeston’s Manners Industrial Estate. The clip was billed as a “Forza Nottingham Car Meet”.

Police have powers to seize vehicles being driven anti-socially but drivers must first be given a roadside warning – meaning they can simply zoom off like in the BMW video. The £100 instant fines will be sent by first class mail to the registered keepers of vehicles when evidence of the anti-social behaviour is gleaned – either from police videos or footage taken by members of the public. Penalties can rise to £1,000 if the case goes to court.

A report to councillors stressed that the PSPO is backed by Derbyshire Police as an extra tool for keeping order. It is the police who will be mainly responsible for enforcement action once signs have gone up. 

Deputy Leader, Councillor Becca Everett, who is also Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “Residents have had enough of this antisocial behaviour. It is clear from the consultation that the action by the council is fully supported – and we welcome plans by the Government to give police even more powers to tackle this kind of issue.”