Reckless Driving Response - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Reckless Driving Response – COUNCIL and police enforce PSPO following dangerous driving at seafront car meet.

Reckless Driving Response - COUNCIL and police enforce PSPO following dangerous driving at seafront car meet.

COUNCIL and police enforce PSPO following dangerous driving at seafront car meet.

Southend City Council and Essex Police are taking action following dangerous driving at a seafront car meet on Saturday 22 March.

As a result of that event, the Council’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) issued 37 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for offences including dangerous stunts such as burnouts, as well as unlawful parking that blocked footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and access routes.

Essex Police also enforced a 12-hour dispersal order in response to reckless driving, seizing three cars and arresting a driver on suspicion of drug driving.

One of the seized cars, a white Sierra Cosworth, was found to have an engine from a stolen vehicle and was not roadworthy.

The city’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), introduced in April 2023, was put in place to tackle dangerous driving, excessive noise, and other disruptive behaviour linked to car meets. While most events pass without issue, last weekend’s meet led to significant enforcement action.

Coun Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Southend welcomes responsible car enthusiasts, but public safety must always come first.

“Sadly, a small number of reckless drivers caused disruption on 22 March and put lives at risk, and I fully support the police and council enforcement teams for taking action.

“It’s important to be clear, this is not about stopping car meets altogether. Our Community Safety Unit has monitored 24 car cruises over the past year, but enforcement has only been necessary at nine of them.

“Before the 22 March car meet, no FPNs had been issued for car meets since July 2024. The vast majority of these events do not require action, but when safety is put at risk, we will intervene.”

Chief Inspector Dave Browning, Southend District Commander, added: “Southend is a great place to visit, but if a driver in a large group behaves recklessly, they pose a real danger. Dispersal powers are not used lightly, but they are necessary to protect public safety.

“Most attendees on 22 March were there to enjoy themselves, but the actions of a minority ruined it for others. If you come to Southend and ignore the rules, you will face the consequences.”

The Council and Essex Police will continue to monitor the seafront and take enforcement action where necessary. Drivers are reminded that breaches of the PSPO can result in fines.

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