Car Cruising in Kegworth
Following contacts from residents living in or near Kegworth telling me about their concerns about ‘boy racers’ on the A453, I called a public meeting. It’s important that people know I take their concerns seriously and will do what I can to alleviate issues as part of my continuing campaign to tackle speed and road safety.
I asked the local area Commander Wayne Nimblette, members of the local policing team and local authority representatives to join me so that we could reassure people that ‘something is being done’.
I wasn’t sure whether I was pleased or disappointed that around 50 people joined us in the Village Hall at Kegworth. Clearly the problem is serious.
We heard of the work that is ongoing to tackle the problem and the police have clearly done a good job, but there is more to do. It is a partnership issue and we heard that there are plans to put measures in place to deter these anti-social drivers once and for all. But these things don’t happen overnight.
Note, as this blog is a public article, I don’t want to put too much detail in here. But there was a theme that kept coming through. Report, Report, Report. If the police don’t know it’s happening, they can’t attend. If the local councils don’t have evidence, they can’t put in place longer term measures. So please folks, report it. Ways in which to do so can be found at the end of this article.
Residents, understandably, want to see a bigger police presence and stronger consequences. Assurances were given that the police are working hard to combat the problem, and that people have been caught and charged. However, it was made clear that there are limits to what enforcement can be used on legally registered and insured roadworthy cars.
The other point that was well made was that while the police can charge people for their actions, the sanction is in the hands of the courts.
I heard horrifying accounts of near misses and extreme noise. It is clear to me that this activity is causing significant stress and anxiety in the area. I am determined that together we will do something about this.
I was grateful to County Councillor Trevor Pendleton and the N W Leicestershire Community Safety Partnership Manager Paul Collett, both of whom were clearly on side, explaining what can and cannot be done. I was heartened to hear that there is a lot of work on-going.
I promised to work with my fellow PCCs to lobby the minister to introduce legislation to help with the car cruising issue. I know that my fellow Midlands Commissioners recognise this is a concern, as it was discussed recently at a regional road safety conference.
The meeting was worthwhile, and I will push hard for solutions on behalf of local residents. I appreciate just how much distress this is causing. In the meantime, I urge anyone affected to report any problems they see or hear.
How to report:
Rupert Matthews
Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Rupert Matthews
Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Posted on Monday 23rd October 2023