Police have started to crackdown on car cruise meetings which are becoming more popular across the Midlands as more drivers participate in dangerous races.
Car cruises are where drivers meet on public roads to race or show off their vehicles, during which motorists will speed down roads.
On top of racing, some of the drivers perform dangerous stunts which can cause havoc on the main roads.
Now in a bid to prevent races happening officers across Bromsgrove and Worcester have launched a scheme to stop any dangerous driving, speeding or anti-social behaviour that may occur.
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Bromsgrove and Worcester seen a rise in offences
Norfolk & Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team (Twitter)
Inspector Stephanie Arrowsmith, said: “Car cruising meets remain a popular activity, particularly with motoring enthusiasts from a younger demographic.
“We are supportive of these groups and engage with them, however we are trying to maintain a balance between those who attend car cruise meets and local residents.
“Sometimes a minority can ruin these events for the majority who just want to socialise with like-minded people.
“Noisy exhausts, crowds and speeding cars all have an impact on the surrounding neighbourhoods and can have affect people’s quality of life.”
Drivers who are caught committing offences will be dealt with under the Road Traffic Act, the police officer warned.
Arrowsmith added: “Please be assured our team is ready to deal with any motorists who break the law either through dangerous driving or speeding or any onlookers through anti-social behaviour.
“Our interventions are borderless so all people, regardless of if they reside on our force area or not will be dealt with in the same way.
“I would also like to encourage people to submit footage of any street racing or dangerous driving through our Op Snap portal and any anti-social behaviour via our online reporting system at Report a crime .”
This month West Mercia Police has been supporting the Fatal Four campaign to clamp down on the four main causes of road traffic collisions.
This includes speeding, distractions, such as using mobile phones, driving under the influence of drink or drugs and not wearing a seatbelt.
The current penalty for using a device while driving is up to six penalty points and a £200 fine.
If taken to court, drivers could face a maximum fine of £1,000 or £2,500 if driving a lorry or bus or have their licence taken away in more severe cases.
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Drivers caught speeding could be fined a minimum of £100
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Drivers who are caught speeding, however, could be hit with a minimum £100 fine and three penalty points added to a licence.
Meanwhile, drivers who get behind the wheel without a seatbelt correctly fitted could get a heavier penalty of up to £500.
