Hillingdon Council has announced a robust joint effort with the Metropolitan Police to tackle anti-social and dangerous driving in Hayes, responding to numerous complaints from concerned residents and local businesses.
The main focus of their action is to address the recurring issue of illegal car meets in the vicinity of Pasadena Close. These unauthorised gatherings have become a cause for concern as they often involve drivers engaging in reckless racing and hazardous manoeuvres.
On June 10, the Hillingdon Council anti-social behaviour and environment team (ASBET) collaborated with the police to conduct a major operation in response to a large disturbance reported in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, they were confronted with over 100 spectators gathered to watch drivers participate in races and stunts. With assistance from the police, they managed to stop and apprehend more than 150 motorists.
As a result of this operation, the authorities were able to make significant headway in curbing illegal activities. Notably, one individual was arrested for drug driving, another for driving while disqualified, and four vehicles were seized due to a lack of insurance. Additionally, 12 traffic offences and 21 ‘Section 59’ orders were issued, specifically aimed at deterring anti-social driving behaviour.
The joint efforts didn’t end with arrests and vehicle seizures. In a bid to address the issue at its core, more than 30 Community Protection Warnings were handed out to attendees of the unauthorized car meet. Furthermore, Hillingdon Council’s ASBET team sent warning letters to identified borough residents who were involved in organizing these dangerous events.
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We are committed to creating safer communities and car meets like these can be a noisy disturbance for local residents, as well as dangerous for other road users.
“We’re continuing to work closely with the police and local businesses whose land is used, to coordinate our efforts to stamp this out and will take firm action against those committing offences at the meets and those organising them.”
The council’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is due for renewal later this week and it is proposed the final document will include conditions to prohibit car meets and racing and will be enforced by both police and council officers.
