Dispersal zone on Royal Albert Way

A dispersal zone has been introduced on Royal Albert Way following complaints about racers and large groups gathering in the area.

Police Constables, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Newham Council Enforcement Officers now have the power to disperse groups of more than two people. They can also tell those who not live in the area to leave and not return for 24 hours.

Anyone who refuses or breaches the notice can be arrested. It is punishable on conviction of a custodial sentence of up to three months and/or a fine of up to £2,500.

The order is operational in and around Royal Albert Way and will run until Sunday 1 January 2012.

The dispersal was introduced following a joint initiative called Operation Raw was carried out on Saturday, 2 July to tackle the problem of racing on Royal Albert Way. The Met Police's Traffic Unit, Beckton Safer Neighbourhoods Team and the council's Community Safety Team were all involved.

As a result, 75 people were warned over traffic related offences, five people were arrested and nine cars were taken off the streets.

Cllr Unmesh Desai, cabinet member for crime and anti-social behaviour said: "We take residents complaints seriously about this kind of behaviour and are taking enforcement action to crack down on this kind of reckless driving. We will continue to work with the police to ensure they don't come back."

Chief Inspector of Newham Safer Neighbourhoods Guy Wade said: "We take a robust approach to anyone who misuses the roads. Some of these people drive with little or no consideration for the residents of Newham and other road users.

We employ operations like this to deter others and help make the roads a safer place. Together with our partner agencies we hope to put a stop to people using the Newham roads in a dangerous manner."

For further information contact the Beckton Safer Neighbourhood Team on 020 8721 2040 or email beckton.snt@met.police.uk.

Report anti-social in confidence 24-7 by calling the council's free hotline on 0800 731 3300.