Swindon Borough Council is set to ban ‘dangerous’ unauthorised car meets.
Between July 2023 and July 2024, there were 45 reports of the unofficial events taking place in the town – with one resulting in a spectator suffering serous injuries.
The council want to outlaw car meets, which are said to involve “dangerous manoeuvres and speeding”, through a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
The gatherings have mostly taken place in industrial estates across Swindon and, more recently, a group caused extensive damage to Barbury Castle by churning up the grassy area around the car park.
In response to growing concerns, Wiltshire Police and Swindon Borough Council have implemented targeted operations and deployed additional resources to address the issue.
Now, authorities are seeking more powers to tackle offenders and prevent the recurrence of unauthorised gatherings.
If implemented, the PSPO would ban people from organising and promoting unauthorised car meets and prevent anyone from travelling to one in a vehicle that is either attending or taking part in an event.
The proposed order would also prohibit the registered keeper of a vehicle from allowing it to be used in an unauthorised car meet or for it to be parked up for the purpose of spectating.
The PSPO would be enforced by Wiltshire Police and designated officers from Swindon Borough Council, ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions. The new powers are expected to improve the management of these events and reduce the negative impact on the local community.
The Council has been liaising with Trafford Council in Greater Manchester, which has experienced similar issues with unauthorised car meets.
If implemented, Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 would be issued to anyone who breaches the restrictions of the PSPO. The fines would need to be paid within 28 days, but reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days. Evidence for breaching the PSPO would be obtained in-person by police or council officers and by using CCTV, or body-cam footage.
A consultation is now live for residents to provide their views and feedback to help establish whether the proposed PSPO is the right action to take to help prevent anti-social behaviour in Swindon. The consultation will run for three weeks until Monday, 24 March at 5pm.
All feedback received will be considered before a final decision is made. Residents can take part in the consultation on the Let’s talk Swindon website.
Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships said, “Unauthorised car meets have been a growing issue in Swindon, with five times the amount of reports in 2024 in comparison to 2023, posing a real risk to residents.
“The implementation of a PSPO will provide both officers and Wiltshire Police with the authority to take prompt action and address this issue directly. We’re dedicated to ensuring a safer community for our residents and this order will play a key role in making that happen.
“I urge residents to share their feedback on the draft PSPO through the ‘Let’s talk Swindon’ website.”
Wiltshire Police Inspector Joe Senior, based in Swindon, said: “We’re aware of the significant community concern that disruptive car meets can have, particularly for local residents and businesses.
“As part of Operation Staysail, we have looked to address these meets head on and ensure that those who choose to behave in an antisocial manner at these meets are held to account.
“We recognise that genuine car enthusiasts meet lawfully and do so in a manner that doesn’t cause distress to local residents.
“These people would not be impacted by a PSPO which targets unauthorised car meets and we welcome the consultation.”
