A new parking ban is being rolled out at a UK tourist hotspot in a six-month crackdown aimed at eradicating years of antisocial driving. Redcar and Cleveland Council has introduced new restrictions to tackle persistent issues in the area.
Background of Antisocial Behaviour
Neighbours have endured antisocial behaviour including cars being used for racing, donut-ing, wheelspins, loud revving, burnouts, and even tugs-of-war. Additionally, drivers have been blowing horns and releasing fireworks in the early hours of the morning, causing significant disturbance.
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been in place since 2021, granting police and council officers enhanced powers, including the ability to issue on-the-spot fines. However, neither the police nor the council have sufficient resources to patrol the site every night. Traffic calming measures have been installed, which have reduced high-speed racing but have had only a limited impact on reducing noise levels.
Council and Police Statements
Cllr Neil Bendelow, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, stated: “The people living by this car park should simply not have to put up with this nuisance which can go on right through the summer. This is a trial and we’ll monitor and assess throughout the six-month period before making further decisions. However, those people intent on this kind of anti-social behaviour should consider themselves warned that neither ourselves nor the police will allow this to continue and we will do what it takes to stop it.”
Cllr Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, added: “This has been an ongoing issue for many years which has been tackled using various measures including a PSPO. While there have been periods of enforcement that delivered short-term improvements, the problem continues to return, bringing significant disturbance to nearby residents and posing risks to public safety. We are determined to secure a more sustainable, long-term solution and will be closely monitoring the impact of this trial nighttime closure.”
Redcar and East Cleveland Neighbourhoods Inspector Neil Deluce commented: “We welcome this move and will continue to work alongside Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to listen to local residents, conduct patrols in the area and take swift action whenever required. As a Neighbourhood Policing Team, we are open to a variety of problem-solving methods including education and enforcement, but with this environmental-based solution it will help bring immediate respite to the local community.”
The trial nighttime closure is expected to provide relief to residents while authorities assess its effectiveness in curbing antisocial driving. Further decisions will be made based on the outcome of the six-month period.
