Police to crack down on illegal street racing

Police want to stop street racing on the A34 between Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent

Illegal street racing on the A34 in Staffordshire has led to police bringing in a dispersal order.

The move allows officers to move on suspected street racers and seize vehicles believed to be involved in anti-social behaviour on the road between Stafford and Trentham.

More than 40 warnings have been issued after two recent car meets in the area, according to Staffordshire Police.

The dispersal order is in place from 18:00 GMT on Friday to 01:00 GMT on Sunday, with a view to it being extended, the force adds.

It covers the area around the A34 near to junction 14 of the M6 through to the Poacher's Cottage in Trentham.

Under the order, people suspected to be causing alarm or distress can be ordered to leave the area, with the risk of arrest if it is ignored.

Officers would be patrolling the route following recent issues with street racing, and an increase in calls from concerned residents, said Ch Insp Giles Parsons.

"The minority who feel that they can use roads as race tracks, or car parks as performance areas, will be dealt with accordingly," he stated.