Car cruisers will face serious penalties including prison if they are caught racing or performing stunts after the council obtained an injunction.

Croydon Council have been granted the order by the High Court which will prevent car cruises, where motorists meet up to race, in Imperial Way, Lysander Road and Pegasus Road.

The council said it felt tougher action was needed after other measures have failed to quash the problem.

Cruises usually take place on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons, with the council and police saying it causes great distress and alarm to businesses and residents.

The events involve wheel spinning to create screeching noises and smoke, putting rubber skid marks on the road and manoeuvres such as hand-brake turns all for the entertainment of spectators.

Other issues include loud music, shouting, car horns being used, littering and urinating against business properties.

The injunction, which lasts until next year, means that anyone who car cruises in the area will be in contempt of court, and could be sent to prison.

Previously police have obtained dispersal orders to try and prevent the problem, which gives them the authority to tell large groups to move on from a particular area.

Fixed penalty notices have also been issued and cars have also been seized by the council.

Councillor Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said: "This sends out a clear warning that those who take part in car cruising will face serious penalties."

Sergeant Paul Harrison, from the Waddon Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: "Anyone breaching the terms of the injunction can expect to be prosecuted and those that are could be facing a prison sentence."

 

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