The reality facing fed-up Redcar residents is so called boy racers doing doughnuts, racing and a “tug-of-war”.
Despite Cleveland Police enforcing a borough-wide Public Space Protection Order in the summer of 2021, the bad behaviour has returned. The seaside town’s Majuba Road has been a prime spot, with drivers causing noise and nuisance for those living nearby.
Vehicles were seen doing doughnuts and racing around the car park at speed. And footage has been captured of two drivers causing plumes of smoke after a burn-out when they tied their cars together and had a “tug of war.”
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A joint campaign to capture footage of nuisance drivers has been launched Cleveland Police, Redcar and Cleveland Council. The first phase of collecting footage also captured the moment of a crash, where a vehicle sustained minor damage but nobody appeared to be injured, reports Teesside Live.
Some householders even allowed police drone operators access to their gardens so the officers could gather footage. One resident told police: “They’ve knowingly harassed residents with their constant nightly torment; nobody should feel that way in their own home due to the selfish behaviour of others.”
The second phase, enforcement, saw numerous drivers dealt with. Penalties issued as of Tuesday, January 23, included:
- 15 drivers were issued with Section 59 notices
- Eight drivers were dealt with for Breach of PSPO
- One dealt with PSPO court summons (this is where they refused to accept the breach of PSPO)
- One case file was prepared for a driver with no licence and insurance
- Two people dealt with for using on a road (motor vehicle/trailer) for the purpose in which it was used involved danger of injury
- One dealt with for driving a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road/in a public place without reasonable consideration to others
- A 16-year-old boy has written a letter of apology and reflection to the affected residents.
- One male captured on CCTV urinating in the car park will be dealt with through Restorative Justice.
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Dodgy driving is not just ‘having a laugh’
Redcar Town Neighbourhood Police team inspector Neil Deluce said: “These drivers may think they’re just having a laugh, but it can be dangerous and it seriously affects local residents’ quality of life.
“We listened to local people’s concerns and took decisive action. We appreciate local residents’ backing whilst the operation took place, and the excellent support from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s CCTV operators and their Enforcement Team – especially for securing the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the first place.
“The PSPO applies to the whole borough so just because we’ve taken action in Majuba it doesn’t mean we’re simply shifting the problem elsewhere. We can – and will – repeat our clampdown if the issue emerges anywhere in Redcar & Cleveland.
“Anyone dealt with for Breach of PSPO could receive a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a fine of up to £1000 if they’re prosecuted, and a Section 59 notice means we could even seize vehicles. We’ve dealt with the issue robustly and I know from receiving feedback personally from residents that our efforts are appreciated and are making a difference.”
Coatham councillor and Redcar and Cleveland Council cabinet member for highways and transport Carl Quartermain added: “Over the past few years, I’ve worked in partnership to tackle this including introducing a PSPO to give more powers to police and the council to act. This had some success but needed a more direct, cohesive action with our residents to be truly effective.
“The police reaction to the complaints was very positive; engaging with residents, collecting evidence, and acting on this with purpose. There has been a massive reduction and residents by all accounts had a very peaceful Christmas period. The reporting of every known incident will continue and be acted upon, as long as this problem exists.”
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