Nuisance car cruising

Car cruising

Vehicles gathering in large groups and engaging in anti-social behaviour is becoming an increasing problem for local people and businesses. The behaviour associated with this is damaging private and public land and poses a risk to pedestrians and other road users.

Businesses and residents have reported various problems which impact their everyday lives, including significant noise such as; loud music, cars racing, street racing, tyres screeching, fireworks, litter and blocking roads limiting access for residents and the public passing through.

There are two main types of cruise: regular cruises, also known as meets, and one-off cruises. The events that take place are similar; cars meet in car parks, park up or cruise (drive slowly) around the car park while people socialise – often meeting people from cruise websites, show off their cars and admire others' cars. If there is enough space there are often drag races, burnouts, and doughnuts.

Although cruising is often not a crime in itself, there are many illegal activities associated with it, and as such cruises are often monitored by the police or even closed. The most commonly cited reasons for breaking up cruises are breach of the peace, caused by loud exhausts and sound systems disturbing local residents, and dangerous driving (such as street racing, burnouts and doughnuts). Police also claim that cruises are used as cover for drug dealing and are attended by stolen or otherwise illegal cars. More recently, NWLDC and Leicestershire Police have been using ASB legislation which enable them to seize and impound cars if anti-social behaviour is taking place or if a group refuses to disperse from an area.

There is currently a public protection order (PSPO) in place for vehicle related anti-social behaviour in the Castle Donington area.

We will also issues fines and warnings to drivers and spectators.

If you are affected by this type of nuisance you can report it to us by completing our online form