Police targeting A34 boy racers tonight amid fears of car meet and spectators

Police have been granted special powers to tackle A34 boy racers tonight. Staffordshire Police[1] are bringing in a dispersal order from 6pm tonight until 1am on Monday. It covers the A34 from Trentham Estate to the junction of Newcastle Road, in Stone. It follows previous organised race meets on the route and spectators lining the side of the road.

Now anyone falling foul of the dispersal order risks having their vehicle seized, being arrested, and fined up to GBP2,500. It comes as similar issues are also being reported on Reginald Mitchell Way and James Brindley Way, in Tunstall. READ: 'Illegal road racing' on two Stoke-on-Trent 'race tracks' as spectators watch - Staffordshire Police are targeting boy racers on Reginald Mitchell Way and James Brindley Way[2]

READ: Spectators line A34 as boy racers turn road into 'organised race track' - Staffordshire Police have had repeated reports about the 'race track' between Trentham Gardens and Trentham Monkey Forest A police spokesman said: "A further dispersal order has been issued for the A34 Stone Road between Trentham and Stone as we continue to crackdown on anti-social behaviour. The dispersal order gives officers the power to disperse anyone for the purpose of, or reducing the likelihood of, members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed, distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder.

Failing to comply with an order is a criminal offence and police can return anyone under the age of 16 to their home address. As part of the power, we can issue notices for a period of up to 48 hours and anyone found breaching a notice is liable to be arrested and face further action. In addition to the dispersal order, officers have the power to issue community protection notice warnings that can remain in place for up to 12 months to any persons present causing anti-social behaviour, regardless of if they are in a vehicle or on foot.

"There have been reports of anti-social behaviour in the area recently, involving large numbers of vehicles and people gathering to spectate or participate in illegal road racing between Trentham and Stone. We understand the impact this behaviour can have on people living in the area and are continuing to work with partner agencies to tackle issues reported by our communities. To report the A34 boy racers call Staffordshire Police on 101.

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References

1. ^ Staffordshire Police (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
2. ^ 'Illegal road racing' on two Stoke-on-Trent 'race tracks' as spectators watch (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
3. ^ or click here (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)