AHEAD of the weekend, police want to remind drivers of the need to stay safe by driving responsibly on every journey. 

A police spokesperson said: “Whether you’re planning a drive-out in your car or meeting up with others at a car meet, it’s important that you don’t put other road users or pedestrians in danger.

The majority of car meets pass off safely and without incident, but there are times when our officers need to take enforcement action because the participants’ driving is irresponsible and dangerous or affects the local residents’ quality of life through excessive noise, racing or stunt driving. In some cases, roads have been blocked off to accommodate their illegal activities and prevent law-abiding drivers go about their business.

“It’s the role of our Roads Policing Prosecution Team to ensure that these drivers are held accountable for their actions’.

Recently, a 37-year-old man, was issued seven penalty points on his licence at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court (Friday 4 April) for driving without due care and attention at a Colchester car meet in November last year. He was also fined and ordered to pay costs totalling almost £430.

The Harlow man, had driven his Nissan GT-R to the Ipswich Road car meet where he was caught on video driving under such harsh acceleration that the rear of the car was moving side to side, with black smoke coming from the exhaust. The public were lining the road.

Roads Policing Unit officer PC Danny Wheeler said: “This risky manoeuvre was carried out whilst spectators were watching, placing them directly in the line of danger.

“Responsible drivers are welcome here in Essex, but we can’t and won’t allow drivers to perform stunts at these events that are aimed at like-minded people getting together to show their pride and joy to others and for attendees to admire the cars and talk about all things mechanical.”

In the first three months of 2025 there have been more than 250 reports of nuisance vehicles into Essex Police, many related to car meets and anti-social driving.

Powers at officers’ disposal include Dispersal Orders – temporary measures that allows officers to direct anyone involved in anti-social behaviour to leave a designated area quietly, or risk being arrested – and Section 59 notices, which can lead to a vehicle being seized if the driver doesn’t stop using it in an anti-social manner.

Last month, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hughes explained that officers aren’t out to spoil anyone’s fun but the danger that cars pose in wrong hands cannot be underestimated:

“The overwhelming majority of people who attend car meets are there to share their love of their vehicles and talk to people with the similar interests.

“They have every right to congregate and as long as everyone else can carry on with their lives peacefully and safely without disruption there is no issue. “Unfortunately, a tiny minority of drivers can sometimes behave with a disregard for the local area and the safety of others. There can be children at these events and a momentary misjudgement have devastating consequences.

“If cars are being driven irresponsibly or anti-socially, we will intervene, and if you show us you can’t be trusted at the wheel of your vehicle, we will seize it.

“We’re here to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves and stay safe. Don’t be that person who spoils the night for everyone else.