More than 50 drivers were identified breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) during an unauthorised car meet in Chippenham on Saturday evening, Wiltshire Police have confirmed.
Officers, supported by Special Constables, responded at around 8pm to reports of a large gathering of vehicles driving antisocially around the Hawksworth Industrial Estate. The group was dispersed by police, but later regrouped at Morrisons in Chippenham.
After being moved on again, around 60 vehicles returned to Hawksworth Industrial Estate, prompting officers to take further action. Police closed both entrances to the estate under the Road Traffic Act and carried out a walk-through of the area.
During the operation, officers identified more than 50 vehicles breaching the PSPO, which specifically targets unauthorised car meets, alongside additional offences under Road Traffic legislation. All vehicles involved were then swiftly dispersed.
The PSPO was introduced earlier this month to tackle antisocial behaviour linked to illegal car meets, which police say often involve dangerous driving, excessive noise and disruption to local residents.
Inspector Joe Senior of Swindon Police said the incident demonstrated exactly why the order was put in place.
“It is for events like these which the PSPO was introduced – to proactively tackle those who behave in an antisocial manner, such as dangerous driving and repeatedly revving engines at unauthorised, illegal car meets,” he said.
“As we have always said, we recognise that genuine car enthusiasts meet lawfully and do so in a manner that doesn’t cause distress to local residents. That was not the case on this occasion.”
Inspector Senior added that those identified breaching the PSPO would now be dealt with appropriately, both under the order itself and for any criminal offences under Road Traffic legislation. He also thanked Special Constables for their support in policing the incident.
Under the PSPO, it is illegal to organise, promote or attend unauthorised car meets, travel to such events in a participating vehicle, or allow a vehicle to be used or parked for the purpose of an illegal meet or spectating.
Anyone found breaching the order may receive a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice, reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days. Evidence is gathered through police patrols, CCTV and body-worn cameras.
