People in an area of Nottinghamshire blighted by sounds "like gunshots" hope a new plan to tackle regular car meets there will work. It was revealed this week that people taking part in 'car cruising events' in parts of Gedling could be fined up to £100.
These new rules will apply to drivers, but also to passengers and spectators. It comes after people in parts of Netherfield and Colwick have faced disruption for months due to people racing their vehicles and revving their engines around the Colwick Loop Road, Mile End Road and the Victoria Retail Park.
The meeting is due to be discussed at a Gedling Borough Council meeting on June 8, and it would come into effect on June 23 if approved. Councillor John Clarke, Gedling Borough Council's leader, said: "Creating safer communities is one of our main priorities.
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"By issuing a Public Space Protection Order to tackle car cruising in this area, we are sending a clear message that car cruisers are not welcome, they need to stop or face the consequences." A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is the mechanism through which people would be fined under new plans, with the order lasting for three years if approved.
People living near the Victoria Retail Park welcomed the plan to tackle the issue. Steven Dunn, 57, a senior technical analyst, said: "The noise is horrendous and it's nearly every night.
"The screeching is bad, it's like the sound of gunshots. It would be a good starting point if it can be policed properly - who will be stopping them?"
Ady Larcombe, 56, self employed, said: "I live on the street behind so I don't really hear it, [but] these fines could do a lot to help prevent the meets. I bet it affects a lot of people so it would be nice for them to know something is being done."
But another resident in the area questioned the new plan, saying: "At least there's some kind of acknowledgment but not sure if the fines will be able to stop it." A PSPO was previously in place between January 2018 and January 2021, with car cruise events having attracted up to 100 vehicles at one stage before this first one was introduced.
Councillor John Clarke added: "This order will support the great work already being done by Nottinghamshire Police who have seized vehicles, issued warnings and made arrests as part of the operation. Through this measure, we will reclaim this public space and allow local residents to have peace in their own homes and not be subject to this reckless behaviour from a small minority of people."
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