Car meets prompt noise and safety concerns

Car meets are disruptive and can be dangerous, a councillor warned

Residents are worried about noise and public safety as a result of car meets outside their homes.

Councillor Alan Macro from West Berkshire Council said the gatherings in Theale saw "a large number" of cars produce "sudden, very loud noises", which were disruptive.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said the number of car meets had increased in the last year, causing congestion, noise and presenting a risk to crowds.

Thames Valley Police said they were "aware" of the issue and were "working with West Berkshire Council, the local parish council and other partners to tackle" it.

Mr Macro said the noise was the biggest nuisance.

"The first meet they came past my house a few times, and you hear the terrific roar and then another roar, another roar, and then a short time later it's all happening again," he said.

"It's very disturbing because it happens all of a sudden."

'Only takes one'

But noise was not the only concern.

Whilst Mr Macro said he had not heard any reports of accidents taking place, he said "it just needs one".

"One vehicle losing control and you could have several people seriously injured," he said.

There were also concerns it could affect the movement of emergency vehicles from a nearby fire station, he said.

Mr Macro said the neighbourhood police had attended "several" of the meets and taken vehicle details.

He also said the council was working with police to see if CCTV or changes to the road layout could be used as a deterrent.

"But the trouble is the roads involved are used by HGVs so its very, very difficult to do that," he added.