Community Protection Warnings Issued After Dartford Car Meet

Community Protection Warnings Issued After Dartford Car Meet

Good Afternoon,

I wanted to take a moment to update you on the work being done to tackle anti-social driving that may have affected you in your area.

A joint operation between Kent Police and Dartford Borough Council to tackle anti-social driving in Dartford has resulted in Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) being issued to a number of drivers.

Throughout September, marked and unmarked police cars have attended areas identified as hotspots for nuisance driving, including Bob Dunn Way, University Way and Crossways Boulevard.
 

During one of these patrols, officers were alerted by local residents to a group of drivers racing on Shepherds Lane, Dartford. Officers immediately attended the location, gathered evidence and dispersed those involved.

Working closely with Dartford Borough Council, 26 CPWs were issued to drivers that were identified as being present at the location.
 

Those issued with a warning must now comply with the conditions of Dartford’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). Failure to do so may result in a Community Protection Notice being issued, which could lead to fines or further legal action.
 

The PSPO prohibits people from entering Dartford for the purpose of racing vehicles or spectating at illegal vehicle meets. It also prohibits behaviour such as unnecessary engine revving, performing vehicle stunts and causing excessive noise.
 

Dartford Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jamie Little said:

‘This is an excellent example of our heightened vigilance and presence that will hopefully bring comfort to local residents. 
We appreciate the impact such nuisance driving causes, and these CPWs should kerb that behaviour with the threat of fines or legal action if the behaviour persists. 

Residents should report any car meets or antisocial driving immediately, as this will allow us to respond in a timely manner and catch them in the act.’

Dartford Borough Council Leader Cllr Jeremy Kite said:

‘Residents have every right to enjoy their homes and neighbourhoods without being disturbed by racing cars, excessive noise, and antisocial behaviour.

Our message is simple: Dartford is not a race track. We’ll continue working with the police to take action against those who treat it like one.’

To view Dartford's Nuisance Vehicle PSPO please visit the Dartford Borough Council website: Public space protection order – Dartford Borough Council

Please continue to report any incidents of anti-social driving and nuisance vehicle activity, as the information you provide helps us identify hotspots and carry out targeted enforcement.

Thank you,
PC Massey