Drivers could be hit with fines of up to £1,000 for breaching new legal measures, which are currently being proposed across a major region.
The action launched by Wakefield Council would see car cruising banned through the adoption of a district-wide Public Spaces Protection Order.
The order, which is currently being consulted on by the council, would grant greater powers to tackle anti-social behaviour throughout the district.
The measure would allow councils to restrict activities in public spaces that negatively impact the quality of life for the local community.
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The council warned that drivers who breach the legal action could be fined £1,000
The council explained: “They are designed to address persistent anti-social behaviour and nuisance issues in specific areas by imposing conditions or prohibitions on the use of that space.
“Car cruising is the term for when drivers meet to race or show off their vehicles. The proposed PSPO will prevent people from using or encouraging the use of vehicles in an anti-social manner.”
If the council goes ahead with the plans, it will also prevent people from promoting, organising, publicising or attending an event where these activities take place.
However, if the action gets introduced, failure to comply with the order would be deemed a criminal offence, with the authorities able to issue a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 or a fine of up to £1,000.
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The police warned that car cruising can be linked to speeding and other driving offences
The need for more deterrents follows reports by the West Yorkshire Police, which raised concerns about illegal car meets last month.
The police attended a meeting and issued several penalties and fines to drivers who were caught breaking the law. This included four Traffic Offence Reports issued for number plates not conforming, as well as three Traffic Offence Reports issued for excess speed.
A further penalty was issued to a driver for having dangerous parts while on UK roads, while three other people were fined for driving without due care and attention.
Inspector Andy Dickinson, from the Wakefield West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We take a zero tolerance approach to the anti-social use of vehicles in the district. The notices issued during this latest operation demonstrate that we are tackling behaviours that don’t just cause concern but actually put road users at risk, such as speeding, driving without due care and attention and having parts on a vehicle which are not in a safe condition.”
He explained that there have been growing concerns among residents about future events, with Dickinson hoping to reassure people that the police will continue this work to deter and prosecute the organisers and motorists involved in car meets.
Dickinson added: “The community play a key role in reporting information to us about planned car meets or the anti-social use of vehicles in their area.”
He urged anyone with information about possible car cruising to report it to the police “so that it can be acted upon and action taken”.
While cruising in itself is not illegal, many of the cars involved have been linked to committing offences while taking part in the cruise, such as speeding, dangerous/careless driving and criminal damage.
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Car cruising would be considered anti-social behaviour under the new proposals
Some police forces have now begun treating the meetings as anti-social behaviour and are asking people to leave with the proposed order, hoping to tackle this further.
The police warned that anyone who refuses to leave an area when asked to do so by a police officer or police community support officer (PCSO) could be arrested.
The force shared: “The police would urge people not to take part, and if they do, to drive carefully and be mindful of the possible nuisance such events can bring to neighbourhoods.
“We are committed to working with our partners as part of Vision Zero to reduce danger and, in turn, the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”
