New order will put the brakes on dangerous driving

With the weather warming up and evenings getting longer, car enthusiasts are warned that they could pay the price for driving anti-socially in Wokingham Borough.

In response to concerns from residents, the council has secured a Public Spaces Protection Order that forbids a range of dangerous and nuisance behaviours in its car parks and any publicly accessible land within the borough.

Its enforcement teams are now patrolling known "car meet" hotspots and have already penalised a driver who they caught breaking the rules during a visit.

These patrols, carried out in partnership with Thames Valley Police, will continue through the summer and beyond to keep residents safe and protect their peace and quiet.

Don’t spoil the summer for others

The order bans activities like making noise by revving engines, sounding horns or playing loud music, as well as aggressive accelerating or braking, causing an obstruction or racing against other vehicles.

It also covers manoeuvres like skidding, drifting and handbrake turns, using threatening or abusive language and behaviour, and organising or attending events where any of these things happen.

Signs are up in areas where this is in force and anyone in breach could be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice or fined up to £1,000 if they are taken to court.

The terms can be enforced by the police as well as the council’s own officers.

Hitting selfish motorists in the pocket

In one instance on the night of 20 May, the council and police visited Thames Valley Park and Ride, off the A329 near Earley, to check these new rules were being followed.

Within half an hour, a driver was seen entering and performing at least two handbrake turns at high speed. She was given a verbal warning and a £100 penalty.

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: "Summer might just be starting, but we've hit the ground running and are determined to crack down on nuisance driving. We know it bothers people and we’ve listened to their feedback.

"This reckless and irresponsible behaviour puts bystanders' lives at risk and unfairly disturbs neighbours, sometimes for miles around, and we will not tolerate it."

Let us know if there's a problem

Residents can report breaches of the order to asb@wokingham.gov.uk, which is the quickest way to get in touch at any time. Those without internet access can phone 0118 974 6000.