Road closure targets car meets at beauty spot

Police say they have pursued prosecutions for dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour during car meets in the past

Police have been granted new powers to close a road through a famous beauty spot as a way of tackling dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour during car meets.

Car enthusiasts have often gathered on the B3135 through Cheddar Gorge, and officers said they have previously had to pursue criminal prosecutions.

A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order means the road between Cox's Mill Car Park and the junction of the B3371 can now be closed to stop any offences taking place.

"Not only is it disruptive and dangerous, but these events also put significant demand on police resources, with officers having to be diverted from other matters to respond," Acting Sgt Daryl Screech said.

"We continue to work closely with our partners, including Somerset Council, to come up with long-term solutions, and this latest step gives us powers to stop these events when they're most likely to take place, but also in a way which allows us to minimise the impact on the wider public."

Avon and Somerset Police can only use the powers on Fridays and weekends between the hours of 16:00 and 06:00, and can organise closures in advance in case of planned events or ongoing issues.

The powers were granted by Somerset Council for an initial three-week period that can be extended for up to 18 months.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, the council's lead member for transport and waste services, said: "This is a long-standing issue in the area, and whilst we appreciate there is no easy solution, granting police these powers will significantly reduce the opportunities for groups to engage in dangerous or anti-social driving."

Businesses will remain open during the closure, and residents will be allowed access.