Cheddar Gorge: police given powers to tackle anti-social driving
New powers have been granted to police officers, allowing them to close the road to tackle issues of anti-social and dangerous driving
Last updated 7th Aug 2025
Avon and Somerset Police have been given new powers to tackle anti-social and dangerous driving in Cheddar Gorge.
This means they're now allowed to close the road under the new Temporary Traffic Regulation Order between the Cox's Mill Car Park and the junction of the B3135 and B3371 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
These powers can also be enforced in advance of planned events or in the event of ongoing issues.
The order was granted by Somerset Council for an initial 21-day period, although this can be extended to 18 months.
Under the conditions of the order, closures can be put in place at any time and for any duration between 4pm and 6am on each of the three days.
Businesses will remain open as usual during any closure while people living within it will also be allowed access.
Officers have previously used dispersal orders to shut down these gatherings and pursued prosecutions for criminal offences, however the new power can be used proactively in advance of an event taking place.
'These events also put significant demand on police resources'
Acting Sergeant Daryl Screech said: "We are fully aware of the disruption anti-social driving continues to have on the residents of Cheddar and its visitors.
"Not only is it disruptive and dangerous, but these events also put significant demand on police resources with officers having to be diverted from other matters to respond and ensure public safety.
"We continue to work closely with our partners, including Somerset Council, to come up with long-term solutions and this latest step gives us powers to stop these events when they're most likely to take place but also in a way which allows us to minimise the impact on the wider public."
A 'long-standing issue'
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Councillor Richard Wilkins said: “We were very keen to work with Avon and Somerset Police in supporting this initiative.
"This is a long-standing issue in the area, and whilst we appreciate there is no easy solution, granting police these powers will significantly reduce the opportunities for groups to engage in dangerous or anti-social driving.”
Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses anti-social driving to report it to them through their website or by calling 101.