Bradford, Yorkshire — In a significant enforcement action, two drivers have been ordered to pay over £1,000 each after participating in an unauthorized car meet in Bradford. This is part of a broader crackdown on illegal car gatherings, with further legal action anticipated in the coming weeks.
The incident occurred last July at the Euroway Trading Estate, an industrial area on Wharfedale Road. The event attracted several car enthusiasts and was captured on recently installed CCTV cameras. The footage revealed several vehicles engaging in racing and other reckless behaviour, prompting immediate intervention from local authorities.
The footage identified Hayden Burrows of Roker Lane, Pudsey, and Connor Horan of Seals Drive, Ackworth. Despite receiving initial fixed penalty notices of £100 each, neither Burrows nor Horan paid the fines. Consequently, they were summoned to Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court on May 23. Both defendants failed to appear, leading to their convictions in absentia.
The magistrate’s court handed down a sentence that included a £440 fine for each defendant, £518 in court costs, and a £176 surcharge, bringing their total financial liability to £1,134 each. The chair of the bench, Mrs Roberts, expressed her disappointment, stating, “They should have paid the £100 fixed penalty notice.”
Bradford Council has been particularly proactive in addressing unauthorized car meets due to their disruptive nature. Under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) introduced in 2019, the council is empowered to combat activities that, while not necessarily illegal, are deemed anti-social. The order prohibits any vehicle use that could cause harassment, alarm, or distress. This includes excessive noise, dangerous driving, and behaviour that might intimidate or abuse others.
The car meeting at Euroway Trading Estate was reported to the police on July 5, with complaints from local residents highlighting the nuisance caused. The CCTV footage was instrumental in identifying the participants and issuing fines. The council’s action underscores its commitment to enforcing the PSPO and maintaining public order.
Michael Churley, Bradford Council’s Community Safety Co-ordinator, commented on the case, stating, “We hope these prosecutions send out a strong message that anti-social car meets cannot be permitted, and anyone found participating in such an event will face a fine and a criminal record.”
The presence of car meets has been a significant concern for local communities, with many residents experiencing considerable anxiety due to the disturbances. The PSPO encompasses all public spaces, including roads, car parks, parks, and green spaces, with violations subject to hefty fines.
Councillor Matt Edwards has long advocated for stricter measures against unauthorized car meets. He praised the council’s recent enforcement efforts, noting, “I am glad to see that Bradford Council has finally started to use its powers to tackle anti-social car use on Euroways. Cameras were installed on Wharfedale Road in 2022, but until last summer, only nine tickets were issued. The Green Party’s push for action has led to the necessary enforcement.”
Edwards highlighted the potential dangers of such gatherings, noting that they often occur near residential areas and can significantly disrupt local life. “We know dangerous driving is a major issue in Bradford. That’s why we have this Public Space Protection Order,” he added.
The council remains vigilant in its efforts to curb anti-social driving and is prepared to continue using all available resources to address the issue. As Bradford braces for additional court cases related to unauthorized car meets, the message is clear: participation in these events can have serious legal consequences.
Drivers have been warned not to travel to Bradford for unauthorised car meets after two men were each ordered to pay over £1,000 for attending an event at an industrial estate.
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