Recent discussions surrounding car meets in the UK have intensified following a series of events that highlight the dangerous stunts and reckless driving associated with illegal gatherings of vehicle enthusiasts. Senior officers from the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Cheshire Police have expressed concerns about drivers engaging in high-speed antics, purportedly for social media notoriety.
The matter came to a head earlier this month when a number of drivers were spotted racing through tunnels beneath Manchester Airport during an uncategorised motoring event. This incident is currently under investigation by Greater Manchester Police. In a separate case, hundreds of supercar enthusiasts gathered in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, for a “Spring Drive Day.” The event was promoted on social media and aimed to adhere to road safety regulations. Despite these intentions, Cheshire Police instituted a dispersal order ahead of the gathering, as part of a crackdown on such meets that have increasingly drawn public ire.
During the weekend of 15 March, Cheshire Police reported that they made five arrests, seized three vehicles, and issued traffic violation citations to nearly two dozen drivers. Officers noted that while organisers of events like the drive day maintained their legality, they felt that their gatherings were being unfairly linked to illegal activities occurring in other contexts.
Superintendent Saf Ali, of Cheshire Police's Roads and Crime Unit, mentioned in an interview with the Manchester Evening News, "There is the higher-end, supercar stuff. And we generally do get told about them, and they engage with us. It's the other ones that we don't get told about," elaborating on the unpredictability of unsanctioned car meets.
Superintendent Andy Blizard highlighted that recent incidents were not confined to Cheshire, indicating that social media plays a significant role in spurring interest in these events. He remarked about the impacts on local residents and public safety, stating, "When it starts impacting on local residents...that's where we need to get involved, to keep everyone safe."
Incidents of reckless driving and accidents at these gatherings are not uncommon. The tragic case of Sam Harding, a 20-year-old footballer from Stockport, underscores the dangers posed during such meets. Harding was killed after being struck by a speeding vehicle at a meet-up in Warrington in April 2022. The driver was ultimately sentenced to eight years for dangerous driving.
Cheshire Police's investigations reveal an increasing tension between car culture and law enforcement. Officers have noted that the display of vehicles, fuelled by social media visibility, has contributed to riskier behaviour, as fans often publicise these gatherings, attracting both enthusiasts and those inclined to engage in dangerous stunts. Superintendent Blizard said, “What we have seen... is that with some social media, when you get a group of people stood filming you... there is a heightened chance of showing off."
A recent report detailed the experience of a journalist shadowing one of these illicit meets, illustrating the evolution of gatherings as they shift locations to evade police detection. Attendees often receive last-minute updates on changing venues, leading to a rapid movement of vehicles from one location to another, sometimes creating significant public safety hazards.
The Manchester Evening News observed that even well-publicised events can mask the entrance of those intent on engaging in illegal activities. According to police reports, breaches of public space protection orders were prevalent during these gatherings, illustrating the operational strain placed on law enforcement.
Cheshire Police, in reiterating their commitment to public safety, explained that their enforcement measures are aimed at maintaining lawful driving practices among car enthusiasts. They clarified, however, that there is no specific law against car meets, stating that it is the manner of driving that determines whether police intervention is necessary. Superintendent Blizard noted, "As soon as that driving becomes unlawful and people are put at risk, we have to step in."
Police have indicated that while car meets are a national issue, they do not perceive the situation in Cheshire to be significantly worse than in other regions. The findings highlight the complexities of managing community interests alongside public safety concerns as both police and vehicle enthusiasts navigate the evolving landscape of car culture.
Source: Noah Wire Services