Borough's car cruising ban set for approval

The proposed ban follows complaints from residents in Newcastle-under-Lyme

A proposal to ban car cruising across a Staffordshire borough looks set to get the go-ahead.

The public space protection order (PSPO) in Newcastle-under-Lyme would ban meetings of two or more cars or motorbikes “where behaviour causes harassment, alarm and distress”.

It follows complaints from residents about loud music, dangerous driving and wheel spinning, often late at night, with the A34 near Talke identified as the main problem area.

The proposed PSPO has been recommended for approval by officers at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and a decision will be made at a meeting on Tuesday.

Should it be approved, people found to be in breach of the order would be liable for a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £100 or a court fine of up to £1,000.

The council said the order was designed to stop any meeting on local roads or public spaces where drivers engage in anti-social behaviour that impacts residents.

It would not apply to charity ride events or people going about their lawful business, the authority confirmed.

Behaviours listed in the draft order, which would be enforced by Staffordshire Police, include:

• Causing a danger to other road users or property by speeding or racing

• Driving in convoy

• Performing stunts

• Repeatedly sounding horns

• Playing music excessively loud

• Using foul or abusive language

• Using threatening, intimidating behaviour towards another person

• Obstructing a public highway or public place

• Promoting, organising or publicising car cruising

Councillor Gill Heesom said “persistent” car cruising was an ongoing issue that was getting worse and causing people “significant disruption and misery”.

As well as the A34, she said there had also been reports of car cruising on Clayton Road and Parksite industrial estate in Chesterton.

“We want our communities to be happy, healthy and have a good quality of life,” she added.