'Cruisers' are putting lives at risk, police warn

The events, which can draw up to 400 vehicles at a time, have seen car parks in Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford being turned into racetracks.

The crackdown was launched following complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour from crowds.

Police said just 75 cars met in Pontefract on Sunday night.

New powers

Police asked the drivers to leave and they complied with the request. No arrests were made.

Officers have used new powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, which allows police to disperse groups of people committing, or likely to carry out, anti-social behaviour.

It is the first time the legislation has been used to target this particular problem in West Yorkshire.

Wakefield divisional commander Ch Supt Tim Moorby said: "These unofficial events bring with them anti-social and dangerous behaviour, as well as criminal damage and nuisance.

"This new legislation gives us the power to shut them down as soon as they come to our attention, as we have done.

Appropriate action

"We will be continuing to monitor the situation at all the sites and will take appropriate action."

Wakefield Council deputy leader, Cllr Phil Dobson, said: "This shows the scheme is working and is a positive start.

"Officers have dealt with the situations sensitively and the drivers have moved off without any incident."

Car parks being targeted by the police are at Ings Road and Cathedral Retail Park in Wakefield, Parkside Retail Park, Pontefract Park, and Baileygate, in Pontefract, and the car parks of Freeport and Xscape in Castleford.