Drivers warned of consequences ahead of proposed car meets in Alderley Edge

Drivers planning to take part in an illegal car meet this bank holiday weekend are being warned that anyone found flouting the rules of the road will face consequences.

Over recent days Cheshire Police have been made aware of unauthorised car meets which are set to take place in Alderley Edge on Sunday 24 August.

The meets can attract hundreds of people, many in high powered motor vehicles driving dangerously causing excessive noise and anti-social behaviour, all of which have caused alarm and distress to residents. 

In addition, many attendees park their vehicles on grass verges, roundabouts, pavements and block highways causing obstructions to enable drag strip style racing to take place.

A number of operations have taken place over recent months to tackle the issue, and police have been working robustly alongside residents and the local authority.

Many of the messages suggest that the meet has been authorised by Cheshire Police. These messages are false, and Cheshire Police has not given authorisation to any car meets in the area.

Any criminal offences being committed will be dealt with robustly both during and post event.

Chief Inspector Zoe Bowden, head of Macclesfield Local Policing Unit, said:

"Whilst it may seem harmless, these car meets are an ongoing problem that considerably disrupts local residents trying to go about their daily business.

"There also seems to be an assumption amongst attendees that these events have been authorised by Cheshire Police and local councils. I can say categorically, that this is not the case and the Constabulary has no involvement in their organisation and I would urge anyone planning to attend to seriously reconsider doing so.

“We have a zero-tolerance approach and will take action against those who break the law, with vehicle seizures, penalty notices, notifying insurance companies, dispersal notices or arrests and prosecution all being taken into to consideration and rolled out where necessary.

“We’ll also be actively working with our intelligence team to identify the organisers of such events, who could face the prospect of a criminal record.

“Our message is clear – anti-social behaviour and anti-social use of vehicles will not be tolerated.”  

If you have any concerns or information on any criminal activity taking place, please contact us on 101 or dial 999 if it is an emergency.