Central Bedfordshire plans crackdown on car cruising and street racing
Public consultation approved on measures targeting vehicle-related anti-social behaviour
Central Bedfordshire Council is moving forward with plans to tackle car cruising, street racing, and other vehicle-related anti-social behaviour, with a public consultation on a new public space protection order (PSPO) unanimously approved.
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard welcomed the council’s decision, calling it “excellent news” in a statement shared on social media.
“Car cruising and street racing are dangerous, anti-social and plain wrong,” the PCC said. “I’m pleased CBC is taking action with a PSPO.
“This will enable Bedfordshire Police to take enforcement action. I hope the other local authorities will take similar action.”
Central Bedfordshire accounts for nearly half of all vehicle-related incidents reported across Bedfordshire, a report submitted to the council’s executive revealed.
The PSPO aims to address nuisance behaviours, including obstructive parking, excessive revving, loud exhaust noise, and vehicles repeatedly driving backwards and forwards. Dunstable and Houghton Regis have been identified as hotspots, with car meets reportedly taking place nearly every weekend.
Local councillors voice concerns
During the council meeting, Independent councillors raised concerns about gaps in enforcement and police resources.
Speaking about the frustrations of residents, Independent Flitwick councillor Gareth Mackey said:
“Bedfordshire Police formally committed in a memorandum of understanding to enforcing this, but I’m dubious at best to that enforceability given current police resources.
“I can reel off handfuls of car meets where the police don’t even turn up.
“Will officers be out with the police in the early hours of the morning when these people are doing ‘Wacky Races’ across Flitwick, Ampthill, Houghton Regis and Dunstable?”
Reform UK Houghton Regis East councillor Pat Hamill echoed these concerns, expressing frustrations over delays in addressing the issue:
“We haven’t got a police commitment they’ll apply the laws in the meantime.
“There’s also nothing about e-scooters and e-bikes, which cause major problems on our footpaths and roads.”
Independent councillor Victoria Harvey proposed additional restrictions for cars repeatedly driving up and down residential roads, warning this activity is a particular nuisance in areas like Linslade.
Next steps
The public consultation is scheduled to report back to the council’s executive in August, with measures to be implemented in a timeframe between now and October.
Councillors have acknowledged that enforcement remains a challenge, given financial pressures on Bedfordshire Police and limited resources available to target vehicle-related offences consistently.
Residents are encouraged to engage in the consultation to provide feedback on these proposed changes, which aim to improve safety and reduce vehicle nuisance across Central Bedfordshire.