New powers to tackle street races to be considered

5 days ago

Martin HeathBedfordshire political reporter

Flitwick Mowers captured CCTV footage of cars skidding around a ring of fire on the industrial estate in January 2024

Restrictions on excessive revving of car engines and loud exhaust noise could be introduced in an area plagued by street racing and stunt driving.

Central Bedfordshire Council is considering a proposal to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that would mean fines for anyone who breached its terms.

The Independent-led authority says Houghton Regis and Dunstable are hotspots for car-related anti-social behaviour.

The order will be discussed on 6 January.

News image — Cars skidding round a ring of fire left caused damage on an industrial estate in September

Nicola Haseler/BBC A road and car park in an industrial estate with a two-storey building beyond and a single-storey building with large shutters to the left. There are cars and vans parked near the buildings. A large black circle - a skid mark - is in the centre of the picture. More faint circles are visible around it. — Cars skidding round a ring of fire left caused damage on an industrial estate in September

The council says anti-social behaviour involving vehicles is "persistent, escalating and significantly impacts residents' quality of life".

It includes unauthorised gatherings of enthusiasts who race their cars, perform stunts or cruise in slow convoys.

In Houghton Regis, nearly half of the reports of anti-social behaviour involving cars arise from car meets and car cruising.

The proposed PSPO, which will be discussed by the council's executive later, could restrict several activities, including:

Excessive engine revving and loud exhaust noise
Rapid acceleration and harsh braking
Street racing or convoy driving
Stunts such as doughnuts and wheel spins
Unnecessary sounding of horns
Playing amplified music from cars

Getty Images A stock image of a car travelling at speed next to a car sitting in traffic. — It is hoped the order would reduce street racing in Bedfordshire

A PSPO would give police the power to impose fixed penalty fines of up to £100, or court summonses if drivers ignore the restrictions.

A report to the executive says the order would "help improve and maintain roads and the travel network, reducing obstruction and enhancing road safety".

There would have to be a public consultation before any order was made.

If implemented, the PSPO would last for three years before being reviewed.

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