Chelford car meet sees majority of attendees respecting residents

A small number of tickets were issued during a car meet in Chelford, with majority of attendees respecting local residents.

Local patrols supported by the Roads and Crime, motorbike and the drone were deployed to the car meet, which took place on Saturday 8 October, as part of Operation Baptism - the constabulary’s response to tackling anti-social behaviour on Cheshire’s roads.

In total nine tickets were given; two for using a mobile phone while driving, two for not wearing a seatbelt, one for having no MOT, having an unauthorised flashing light or warning beacon, driving without due care, having an insecure load likely to cause danger and not being in proper control of a vehicle.

Chief Inspector John Forshaw, of the Roads and Crime Unit, said: “While some people might think we are ruining their fun and enjoyment, what we’re actually doing is trying to prevent serious harm on our road network.

“Some of those showing off their cars in front of crowds of people can be tempted to put their foot down and that’s when it becomes dangerous, not just for the pedestrians watching the spectacle, but for innocent motorists.

“Often the noise from the cars revving causes annoyance to residents and the anti-social driving on our roads causes real concern for everyone’s safety.

“During Saturday’s car meet, there were some reports from concerned residents about the speed and noise however, this was swiftly dealt with by officers.”

For some time, residents across the county have been complaining of speeding cars and revving engines causing disruption to local communities.

As a result, officers have increased patrols at car meets in the county.

Chief Inspector Forshaw said: “We have a duty of care to protect the public and those driving on our roads, and we will do what we can to keep people safe.

“We’re aware of a car meet in Stoke-on-Trent next weekend so Operation Baptism will be in place and we will be out again policing our road network up to the border of Staffordshire to prevent serious incidents. Our warning still stands that we will take action against anyone committing anti-social behaviour, and those putting our residents and road users at risk.”