Motorists hit with 130 penalty points and stripped of licences after dangerous car meet

Several drivers have been slapped with hefty sentences and issued fines after a large car meet at a popular seafront escalated into a major police operation.

A total of 24 drivers caught behaving anti-socially in Southend were dealt with at a special court hearing after Essex Police investigated an event which attracted large numbers of vehicles and spectators from across the country.

The car meet took place on Saturday, March 28, and had been widely promoted on social media, although police said the event quickly turned into a public safety concern.

Officers witnessed dangerous and anti-social driving on roads used by residents, visitors and families, which prompted police intervention.

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Following the event, Essex Police carried out a detailed investigation, with officers reviewing extensive video footage, identifying vehicles and drivers and issuing Notices of Intended Prosecution to registered keepers.

The first of two special traffic court sessions linked to the event was held at Basildon Magistrates' Court on June 23.

A total of 24 drivers were sentenced, receiving a combined 130 penalty points, while three new drivers were stripped of their licences, two other motorists pleaded not guilty to careless driving, and four further cases were adjourned.

Two drivers whose vehicles were filmed emitting flames from modified exhaust systems were each fined and ordered to pay costs totalling more than £730, in addition to three penalty points.

Other offences dealt with during the investigation included driving vehicles without registration plates and using vehicles which were found to be in a dangerous condition.

Police also established that at least two people involved in the event were driving on provisional licences.

The warning means the driver and vehicle are recorded for a period of 12 months. If the vehicle is used again for anti-social behaviour during that period, the police could seize it immediately.

Sergeant Will Willsher, from Essex Police's Roads Policing Unit, said: "What happened at Southend that evening was not harmless fun or enthusiasm for cars: it was dangerous behaviour that put members of the public at real risk.

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"Residents, visitors and families have the right to use our roads safely without having to witness drivers treating them like racetracks."

The officer warned that the manner of driving investigated "had the potential to cause serious injury or even result in someone losing their life".

Police said officers spent many hours reviewing footage, identifying drivers and gathering evidence to prepare the cases for court.

The officer also explained that Essex Police were not targeting responsible car enthusiasts, who respect the law and "show consideration for others".

He warned that anyone using public roads to race, show off or perform dangerous manoeuvres "should expect us to deal with them very robustly."

A second traffic court session dealing with cases linked to the Southend seafront car meet is due to take place in September.

Essex Police said it would continue to tackle dangerous and anti-social driving while supporting genuine car enthusiasts who drive legally and respect local communities.

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