Dispersal order success for Annesley and Hucknall bypass

Residents and other motorists had complained about the gatherings and the noise problems caused by the car enthusiasts using the Hucknall and Annesley bypass as a racing circuit as well as lay-bys in the area for meet ups.

Working in partnership, the police and district council applied for the order earlier this year, and after regular patrols of the areas, the problem has been totally eradicated.

“There were hundreds of car enthusiasts coming from all over the country and meeting up at the Annesley lay-by creating a nuisance to other motorists and neighbouring residents,” explained Sgt Simon Scales of Hucknall Police. “But after putting the dispersal order in place and policing the areas of concern they have reduced to nothing.

“Unfortunately the majority of the people were simply car enthusiasts who just wanted to show off their vehicles which they have spent thousands of pounds on. But there is always a minority who caused problems and used the bypass as a race track and broke the law.

“We are delighted that the order has worked and been effective and that the motorists have respected it.”

Sgt Scales has been personally involved in policing the order and spent time with the enthusiasts and is sympathetic to their cause.

“The majority are law-abiding people who have invested time and money in their pride and joy and want to share it with like-minded people,” added Sgt Scales. “In the States they have purpose built facilities with organised drag races which is what we need here. This is the only real way to solve the problem and draw them off the public roads.

“It’s a multi-million pound activity and I believe if there was an organised venue it would solve the problem and stop it from reoccurring.

“In the meantime we will be working with the council to look into the possibility of extending the order when it runs out in October.

Ashfield District Council are also pleased with the success of the initiative.

“The council takes its responsibilities for tackling anti-social behaviour very seriously,” said Philip Marshall, chief executive. “We were happy to work with the police to deal with an emerging problem involving significant gatherings of cars, their owners and on-lookers in the Annesley area across the late evening period.

“The proactive approach by the police was supported by the council and the results of this partnership work justifies the action taken.”