Police crackdown on car cruising issue

Rupert Matthews said he had received a large number of complaints about the issue

Cars have been confiscated and legal notices issued as part of a crackdown on car cruising in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Police and Crime Commissioner for the area, Rupert Matthews, said a large number of complaints were made about the issue and support was offered to help officers deal with the situation.

Measures to address the problem included warning notices and car seizures.

Mr Matthews said more than 100 warning letters, 36 legal notices, two car confiscations and three court summonses had helped lead to a drop in car cruising.

Police have taken a 'phased' approach, with warnings followed by enforcement action

When first stopped, offending drivers will be given a verbal or written warning.

If seen again, they are given a Section 59 warning which means if they offend again within 12 months, their vehicle can be seized and, if costs are not covered, crushed.

Mr Matthews said: "Car cruising is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.

"I receive many complaints about this behaviour and have given my full support to the Chief Constable to take the strong and effective action necessary to tackle this issue.

"I am pleased to see that the extra enforcement is having an effect, but we will not be resting on our laurels.

"Drivers should be aware that officers are using the full suite of their powers and state-of-the-art technology to identify dangerous drivers - anyone who ignores the warnings will be prosecuted."

Mr Matthews said in both Market Harborough and Hinckley, this action had seen reported problems cease.

In Charnwood, incidents had fallen from 52 to 10.

North West Leicestershire District Council recently secured a three-year ban across the whole of Castle Donington, with civil action being taken against 60 vehicles.