Newham Council taking action to drive out street racing

Newham Council is driving forward plans to stop street racing in the borough.

The Council is consulting with residents on plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) as part of its approach to tackling vehicle gatherings, street racing, stunts and car meets happening in the Royal Docks, Beckton, Custom House and the Pudding Mill Lane areas. 

Reckless driving is prevalent, including motorcyclists doing wheelies, cars mounting pavements, and drivers doing stunts such as drifting.

The PSPO would stop individuals or groups causing harassment, alarm or distress through vehicle nuisance. The Council also seeks to hit them hard with a £100 fine.

Cllr Carleene Lee-Phakoe, Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety, said:

“Vehicle nuisance is dangerous, distressing and harming neighbourhoods.

“The Council and the police have been carrying out our own reports into residents’ complaints. We want to take action against dangerous driving, car meets, revving the engine purposely and racing. These offences are often linked to other related problems, such as drug and alcohol use and anti-social behaviour.

“Such behaviour has no place in our communities, so we ask that residents, especially those in hotspot areas, to help us drive vehicle nuisance out of the borough.”

Newham Council has already taken action, closing the Royal Albert Way at weekends and bank holidays

Residents can find out more, see evidence of recent recorded complaints and provide your feedback on the proposals using the survey https://newhamco-create.co.uk/en/projects/pspo-vehicle-nuisance The consultation closes on 21 June 2022.

Published: 14 Jun 2022