Saffron Walden: Officers deal with drivers acting illegally at car meet

Officers have been taking action against anti-social driving in Saffron Walden.

We were aware of a car meet at Knight Retail Park involving around 100 cars on Saturday evening, 15 April 2023.

Officers went along to meet the drivers and say hello as we know car enthusiasts like to meet up and show off their vehicles to each other. Indeed, many of our officers share their passion for cars.

Most of the vehicles had left by 9pm but some drivers moved on to the town’s Swan Mead car park and we started to receive complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour.

So, Braintree & Uttlesford Community Policing Team officers, together with colleagues from Roads Policing, took enforcement action.

One driver had their vehicle seized under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and was issued with a fixed penalty notice (FPN) for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Another was issued with a section 59 warning, which means that their vehicle - or any vehicle they are driving - can be seized by police if they are caught driving anti-socially within the following 12 months.

Officers also issued nine FPNs for illegal exhausts, one for driving while using a mobile phone and two for number plate offences, where the plates are displayed incorrectly.

“Car meets in themselves are not anti-social but when they are associated with dangerous and anti-social driving then we will take action.
“When you are not in full control of your vehicle, you risk endangering the lives of other drivers, spectators and passers-by, as well as yourself.
“Illegal modifications to cars are also unsafe and local residents can be disturbed by the excessive revving of car engines, particularly late at night.
“We don’t want to spoil people’s fun but, equally, we don’t tolerate unsafe vehicles or bad driving in Uttlesford and Braintree. Be aware, you risk being prosecuted and, if convicted of certain driving offences, you may be disqualified from driving.
“As well as the specific action we’ve taken to address illegal activity surrounding recent car meets, all our officers will continue to tackle street racing, dangerous & anti-social driving and other associated offences because we know the risks they pose to the public and the harm they can cause.”
Sergeant Kevin Mayle, of Braintree & Uttlesford Community Policing Team

Tell us what you know

Anti-social behaviour can affect not just individuals but entire communities, too. If you're experiencing anti-social behaviour or you see or hear about anti-social behaviour issues, we want you to report it to us so that we can work with our community partners to resolve community issues.

You can report incidents of anti-social behaviour online, where you can also use Live Chat – open from 10am-9pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). Alternatively, ring 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, online or on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, always call 999.