Police operation targets illegal car meet-ups

Police in Shropshire say there has been an "increase" in illegal car cruising meet ups

Police in Shropshire have carried out an operation against illegal car cruising meet-ups following an "increase" in reports.

Operation Mantle, near Stafford Park in Telford on Sunday, saw a number of motorists receive warnings, as well as one vehicle being seized.

PC Sean Maddocks said: "In Telford we have seen an increase in the number of reports around car cruising and illegal street racing.

"Car meets, like the one held on Sunday in Telford, not only encourage dangerous and careless driving which can have catastrophic outcomes for those involved or other road users, but is a form of anti-social behaviour."

He added: "We hope that by working with the council, and our roads policing teams, we can target this activity and gain enough evidence to put an end to it here in Telford."

During the operation, officers issued or recorded the following:

• 25 warning letters for participating or encouraging street racing

• 10 traffic offences linked to window tints

• Two traffic offences linked to illegal number plates

• Two Section 59 warning notices

• One vehicle seizure for driving with no insurance

• One traffic offence linked to driving otherwise in accordance with a licence

• One traffic offence linked to driving without due care and attention

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: "As the public's voice in policing, I'm committed to ensuring their concerns are heard and acted upon.

"Following a rise in reports about illegal car cruising, it's welcome to see West Mercia Police proactively tackling this issue."