A consultation launches today seeking views on giving the council and the police new powers to crack down on anti-social driving in East Cambs.
The council’s Operational Services committee in November approved undertaking a consultation with residents, stakeholders and other community representatives, to seek feedback for a district wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).
The PSPO would give the council and the police power to issue on the spot £100 fixed penalty notices for drivers who engage in anti-social vehicle related activities as set out in the draft PSPO such as the racing of vehicles, performing stunts such as doughnuts, drifting, handbrake turns, or wheel spins, and excessive engine revving.
Since the beginning of 2022 there have been over 1600 reports of incidents of anti-social driving reported to police in the district. This has ranged from individual drivers reported as driving anti-socially through to car meets with up to 100 vehicles recorded at the Elean Business Park in Sutton.
Cllr Julia Huffer, who chairs the committee, said: “This is not about stopping people having fun. Anti-social driving is irresponsible, its intimidating, it takes police time and resources, and it could easily lead to serious injury or death.
“If people want to race or show off their cars they need to choose the right venue to do so, not our business parks, car parks and roads. We’re urging residents to share their views in the consultation so we can do everything we can to act now before it’s too late.”
The PSPO was proposed by the East Cambs Problem Solving Group (PSG), a multiagency operational subgroup of the East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership Board (CSP) after other interventions to tackle the issue were considered and dismissed, and/or implemented without success.
The sub-group reviews cases, such as anti-social driving, which place a high demand on partners, such as the police, and explores robust action plans to help reduce that demand.
The consultation is available on the council's website and runs from 12 January until 16 February 2026.
Following the consultation, a report will be brought back to the Operational Services committee for consideration.
Further information on the consultation can be found on our Crimes and anti-social behaviour webpages.