Police officers in Sutton are urging local youngsters and adults to stay away from the twice weekly ‘car cruises’ in the area around Imperial Way, Beddington, where young drivers show off their vehicle stunts and tricks in front of large crowds.

Police say some drivers race all sorts of vehicles from mopeds through to high performance cars at speeds well in excess of the 30mph limit and perform dangerous manoeuvres putting themselves, other drivers and spectators at considerable risk.

Local residents and businesses have complained about the anti-social driving and large numbers of vehicles gathering every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon in the area of Imperial Way, Lysander Road and Pegasus Road - just outside the Sutton borough boundary.

Businesses say it is adversely impacting on their trade and has raised concerns locally that someone will be seriously injured or killed.

Police and Croydon Council have responded by introducing a new dispersal order for these streets, which provide police with extra powers to break up gatherings of two or more people where they have reasonable grounds for believing that their presence or behaviour has resulted, or is likely to result, in anyone being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed.

Officers can direct individuals to leave the locality and exclude them from the area for up to 24 hours.

The dispersal order began on 11th October 2010 and remains in place until 10th March 2011. Those acting lawfully will not be affected.

Sergeant John Withersby, of Beddington South Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “We are working closely on this with our colleagues at Croydon following complaints by members of the local community about the numbers of vehicles and the standard of driving by those attending the cruise.

“I hope the dispersal order will make people think twice about congregating in the area and will provide reassurance to residents and businesses that we take their concerns seriously and will take action to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.”