Scarborough Police Tackling Vehicle Related Anti-Social Behaviour

Thursday, 11 May 2023 06:00

By Matthew Pells

Officers say the Summer months see an increase in reports of vehicle related anti-social behaviour within Scarborough.

The North Yorkshire Force say that their Neighbourhood Policing Team in Scarborough are working to enforce the town's Public Space Protection Order which seeks to limit car cruise gathering's in the town.

Car Cruising is where enthusiasts meet up in large numbers and travel to a set location to show off their vehicles. One of the largest events to come to Scarborough saw 500 cars descend on Marine Drive and Royal Albert Drive in the town’s North Bay.

Car cruises to Scarborough seafront had been a common sight in the town for many years but relations between the clubs and North Yorkshire Police and Scarborough Council soured in 2017 after £50,000 worth of damage was caused to Royal Albert Drive following an event.

The then newly resurfaced road was left shredded with melted rubber stuck to the tarmac near the Oasis Cafe after a driver “burnt out” their tyres, the driver was later prosecuted.

The following year the PSPO was brought in and cruises have since been banned although planned events with written permission from the authorities can still take place.

Following the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) by the old borough council, which included the ability to enforce breaches to prevent large gatherings, the Police say they have seen a reduction in cruising in Scarborough.

PC David Flinton, Beat Manager for Scarborough North said:

"Our Neighbourhood Policing Team have been patrolling locations recently, where there are smaller groups and have been engaging with the car enthusiasts. We engage, explain and when needed enforce breaches of the PSPO."

"We want people to enjoy travelling, visiting and living in our town. These patrols enable us to engage with those car enthusiasts who might not know about the PSPO and cause ASB in our town, be that in a vehicle or not.

Recently, two of our Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) have been engaging with a couple of the groups and have had some positive interactions. The groups have shown interest in speaking to my colleagues and we hope these engagements will continue"

We have been updating residents via Community Messenger in relation to some of the issues raised, which include speeding, a lack of documents and mobile phone use whilst driving.

PC Flinton added

"We are also using enforcement tactics, including hand-held speed devices, ANPR and community reported patrol zones. We are focusing on road users who contravene legislation and orders designed to keep the public safe."

If you want to report a concern in relation to vehicle related ASB, you can email saferscarboroughhub@northyorks.gov.uk