24 drivers sentenced for dangerous driving at Southend car meet
Court hearings follow large event at Southend seafront
Twenty-four drivers have been sentenced following a large car meet at Southend seafront that resulted in dangerous driving.
The event, held on 28th March, attracted vehicles and spectators from across the country.
The gathering quickly escalated into a safety issue with anti-social driving witnessed by police in areas used by visitors and families.
Following a detailed investigation, a special session at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on 23rd June dealt with the cases.
A total of 130 penalty points were imposed, with defendants receiving financial penalties for careless driving.
Three new drivers will have their licences revoked under the New Drivers Act, and Section 59 warnings were issued, meaning repeat behaviour could lead to vehicle seizures.
Out of the convicted drivers, only seven were from Essex, showing many travelled from afar to attend the meet.
Two offenders were fined over £730 for vehicles emitting flames from modified exhausts.
Additional charges included driving without registration plates and using vehicles deemed in dangerous conditions.
At least two were driving on provisional licences during the event.
Further court sessions are planned for September to address additional cases related to the event.
Essex Police hopes the penalties serve as a deterrent to others considering similar behaviour, ensuring public safety while supporting lawful car enthusiasts.
Sergeant Will Willsher highlighted the risks and efforts involved:
"What happened at Southend that evening was not harmless fun or enthusiasm for cars: it was dangerous behaviour that put members of the public at real risk.
"Residents, visitors and families have the right to use our roads safely without having to witness drivers treating them like racetracks. The manner of driving we investigated had the potential to cause serious injury or even result in someone losing their life.
"The amount of work that went into preparing these cases was significant with many hours spent reviewing footage, identifying drivers and gathering evidence to ensure those responsible were held accountable.
"The results from this special court session speak for themselves with 24 drivers issued a combined 130 penalty points, and three new drivers will now lose their licences.
"Every driver sentenced has also received a Section 59 warning, meaning any repeat behaviour could result in their vehicle being seized immediately.
"We hope this sends a clear message to anyone planning similar events this summer. If you come to Essex and choose to drive irresponsibly, intimidate communities or endanger other road users, we will act and pursue prosecutions.
"We want to be clear that we have nothing against genuine car enthusiasts. The vast majority respect the law, maintain their vehicles properly and show consideration for others. We will continue to support those people.
"However, anyone who believes public roads are a place to show off, race or carry out dangerous manoeuvres should expect us to deal with them very robustly."
The police continue to work with partners to address dangerous driving and support legitimate car enthusiasts who respect the law and local communities.