Car cruising ban discussed after 300 complaints

Car cruising could be banned across Newcastle-under-Lyme

A ban on car cruising throughout a town could be introduced following complaints.

There have been 293 complaints over the last two years, in locations including Wolstanton Retail Park, Lymedale Industrial Estate and the A34 in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The borough council has announced plans to put in place a public space protection (PSPO) to enforce the ban with fines up to £1,000 as a penalty.

Members of the licensing and public protection committee will be asked to approve a six-week consultation on the proposed PSPO when they meet on Tuesday evening.

Wolstanton Retail Park appears to be a hot spot for boy racers

Car cruising involves groups of motorists gathering at a location and playing loud music, repeatedly sounding horns, racing each other, driving in convoy or performing stunts.

Figures obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, have shown the number of incidents dropped from 182 to 111 in 2023/24 following previous enforcement action.

However, the borough council has said that the problem has been increasing again in recent months.

Wolstanton Retail Park appeared to be the most popular location for car cruising in Newcastle-under-Lyme, accounting for 113 incidents in 2022/23.

Barriers were installed on the Asda car park last year, and only eight further incidents were reported the following year.

The most affected roads include the A500, Dalewood Road in Lymedale Business Park, the A34 and Beata Road in Chesterton.

If implemented, the PSPO would be in force for a maximum of three years, after which it would be reviewed and extended if necessary.

Breaching a PSPO is an offence and can be punishable by a £100 fixed penalty notice, or a fine of up to £1,000 if the case is taken to the magistrates’ court.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.