Street racing targeted by officers after increase

10 November 2025

John GuinnLocal Democracy reporter

News image — Drivers are racing and driving dangerously along the A6

Google A police vehicle parked behind a car that has been seemingly pulled over — Drivers are racing and driving dangerously along the A6

Concerns about street racing are being addressed, a police force has told a council.

Following a petition started by residents, Bedfordshire Police told Bedford Borough Council it recognised "the seriousness" of incidents of dangerous driving along the A6 corridor between Elstow, Wixams and Wilstead.

Drivers also caused problems in nearby Barton-le-Clay in the summer.

According to the letter, there has been a reduction in reported incidents as colder weather has set in, and this is "consistent with seasonal patterns observed in previous years".

The letter stated that since May 2025, Bedfordshire Police has logged 24 separate incidents relating to street racing on the A6 which were responded to by officers.

According to Local Democracy Reporting Service, it confirmed that cameras have been installed on both carriageways of the A6 at Wixams to gather further evidence and support enforcement efforts.

It said that Bedfordshire Police was working closely with Bedford Borough Council to pursue a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) "as a first-line legal measure".

Once complete, the PSPO application will enter a six-week public consultation phase before being assessed by the council's executive.

The letter says: "Should the PSPO prove insufficient, a civil injunction remains under consideration."

Bedfordshire Police A police car is parked on a bridge overlooking a dual carrigeway — Similar problems had previously been reported in Barton-le-Clay

In the letter, Bedfordshire Police said it would welcome the council's support in exploring preventative measures, including "the installation or enhancement of average speed cameras".

Wixams and Wilstead ward councillor Graeme Coombes (Conservative), said: "I'm pleased to see a swift response from the police to the council motion I presented in October.

"I'll be watching closely to ensure that both the council and the police use all powers available to them, including the introduction of a PSPO and potentially a civil injunction, to end this madness once and for all, and to make the A6 safer and quieter for residents of Elstow, Wilstead and Wixams."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.