Police issue hundreds of warnings to drivers

Since last October, Nottinghamshire Police has handed out 295 warning letters to anti-social drivers

Police have issued hundreds of warnings to motorists caught street racing or at unregistered car meets across Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire Police confirmed 295 letters have been sent since Operation Wheelspin, which aims to tackle dangerous and anti-social driving, began in October.

More than 1,500 number plates have also been recorded on a "bespoke database" that enables officers to easily track drivers' offences and behaviours.

As part of the operation, a total of eight high-performance cars have been seized, according to the force.

Police said drivers carrying out dangerous driving and other illegal stunts created a "significant risk" to members of the public

Officers have also issued 48 traffic offence reports (TORs) and 55 Section 59 warning notices.

TORs cover a wide range of motoring offences, such as driving without a seatbelt or with worn tyres and can result in a fine or penalty points on a driving licence, said police.

A Section 59 warning notice places markers on vehicles and individuals, meaning any similar behaviour in the next 12 months can lead to prosecution and vehicles being seized.

Sgt Emily Hewitt, of Nottinghamshire Police, said warning letters had been issued to motorists whose driving "fell well below the standard of a careful and competent driver".

"We are determined to help prevent further serious or fatal road traffic collisions on Nottinghamshire roads," she added.

"Stunts, collisions, and excessive speed by often young and inexperienced drivers can result in life-changing injuries and fatalities on our roads.

"Racing, tailgating, driving at high speeds, causing an exhaust to 'pop or bang', or generally driving in a manner that would cause alarm, distress, or annoyance is not acceptable.

"Our message is clear: Nottinghamshire is not a personal racetrack and as a force we will continue to disrupt anti-social motorists and act on the concerns of residents."

Hotspots for unlicensed car meets include Daleside Road in Nottingham, the A57 in Worksop, and junction 27 of the M1 in Annesley.