SAFETY on our roads is a priority across our county and our Roads Policing team are out this bank holiday targeting dangerous road users and those intent on driving anti-socially.

They will be joining local officers in and around Southend and Chelmsford today following reports of two planned car meets in the area.

Roads Policing Sergeant Will Wilsher said: “We know that most attendees to car meets or cruises are like-minded enthusiasts who wish to share their passion with others in the car community.

“If you do so safely, drive responsibly and park up in designated areas, we will have no issue with you.

“There are, however, a small number of thoughtless people who attend these events and place other road users and pedestrians in danger. They also think it’s perfectly acceptable to disrupt the lives of our local businesses and residents.

“Anyone caught driving dangerously, whether that’s through speeding, racing or performing wheel spins close to bystanders, your car will be seized and you may be arrested.

“If your car has been illegally modified, it will also be reported to your insurance. We will also prosecute any that constitute an offence, including not displaying your number plate correctly.

“If you attend an event or are a local resident and witness this type of behaviour, please report it to us.

“Don’t let these individuals give the law-abiding majority a bad name.”

On Saturday evening, it was reported that a group of drivers who had been driving recklessly in Kent had travelled to West Thurrock Way, Grays. The local community reported that public roads in the area were being used as racetracks, while large crowds had gathered to watch.

The Roads Policing team, joined by local colleagues, attended and dealt with numerous offences. In one instance, a driver failed to stop for an officer and nearly collided with her when speeding away from the area.

The vehicle was later found unattended and seized by officers. Numerous illegal modifications had been made affecting the safety of the vehicle and a referral was made to their insurer.

The driver of the vehicle was stopped later the same evening and arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop. Two people with him at the time were arrested on suspicion of obstruction and assisting an offender.

Their vehicle was also seized.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, officers were also called to reports of vehicles racing in Northwick Road, Canvey, where a car had flipped and caught fire. Pedestrians were lining the side of the road at the time and the vehicle narrowly missed hitting them.

If you attend meet-ups or car cruise events and are intent on driving illegally or in an anti-social manner, you will be dealt with robustly and may end up in court to face the consequences of your actions.

To anyone getting behind the wheel of a car, please drive responsibly.

To report antisocial behaviour or dangerous driving in your area, please call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk.
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nformation can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org