Drivers taking part in illegal car meets could face arrest and criminal sanctions including imprisonment, reports James Cracknell

A car meet on an A10 retail park and (inset left) Labour cabinet member Gina Needs and (inset right) Tory councillor James Hockney

Enfield Council has successfully secured an interim injunction from the High Court to prohibit ‘car meets’ across the borough in a big win for road safety campaigners.

The injunction will come into force within the next few days once finalised by the court. It will give the council and Metropolitan Police extra powers to deal with dangerous driving and antisocial behaviour at unauthorised car meets, such as those often held at car parks along the A10.

Drivers taking part in car meets could face arrest and criminal sanctions including imprisonment.

Car meets are organised unauthorised events where drivers show off their often-modified cars that are raced on roads and in car parks where dangerous stunts are performed. In recent years, the illegal events have proliferated in the borough and are attended by increasing numbers of drivers and spectators.

The injunction will apply across the borough to protect residents, whose lives have been continually blighted by these events, which cause excessive noise, danger to other road users and damage to property – presenting a general nuisance and safety risk to residents and businesses.

“Compelling evidence” provided by the council, police, businesses and residents has been credited with the successful outcome.

Gina Needs, the council’s cabinet member for community cohesion and enforcement, said: “I am delighted that the court has listened to the detailed evidence presented by the council, police, residents and local business owners, and have taken positive action by granting an injunction to stop those who continue to make our residents lives a misery by taking part in car meets.

“The council is aware this antisocial behaviour has a huge impact on residents and places an increased burden on police resources, which is why we have taken this decisive action.

“The granting of an injunction is great news as it will provide the police with extended authority and power to deal with this illegal and antisocial behaviour.”

The injunction has been welcomed by road safety campaigners, including Conservative councillor James Hockney, who has long been calling for such a move.

Cllr Hockney, who represents Bush Hill Park ward bordering the A10, launched a ‘charter for action’ last year containing eight steps the council and City Hall needed take to tackle A10 speeding, illegally modified cars and unlicensed car meets. The injunction was one of his demands.

“It is very welcome news that we are taking a big step in tackling dangerous driving and illegal car meets,” Cllr Hockney said. “The community has been very frustrated with Enfield Council and Mayor of London for the lack of action – so this is one step in the right direction.

“But still many of the charter’s calls for action have not been met by the council and mayor.”

Gina Sone-Demetrious, whose sister Laura was killed while crossing the A10 in January and who has since been campaigning for road safety improvements, said she was delighted with the news about the injunction. “I am forever grateful that the court has granted the injunction to ban unauthorised car meets,” she said.

“People will feel more safe on the roads and there will be less casualties. Although, it is sad it took so many lives to be taken, including my sister Laura’s, for something like this to be done. I hope my voice will help more people in the near future.”

Following the injunction, the council says it will continue to collaborate with private landowners to deter car meets and antisocial driving, including installing measures such as cameras and physical barriers.

Car meets are often organised at short notice on social media platforms, making it essential that the council and police work together to respond swiftly.

Residents are advised to report car meets to the police promptly by calling 101 during the event or by making a report on the Metropolitan Police website.

Council leader Ergin Erbil said: “The successful granting of an injunction is an important step towards eradicating antisocial behaviour associated with car meets. We will continue our ongoing dialogue with Transport for London, to investigate long term solutions as part of our determination to resolve this important issue and to improve community safety and keep our residents safe.”

For more information on how the council is tackling car meets in Enfield:
Visit enfield.gov.uk/services/community-safety/how-we-are-dealing-with-car-meets-in-enfield

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