Enfield Council has secured a court order to ban boy racers following dangerous car cruises linked to injuries and fatalities in the area.
North London: Enfield Council has had enough of boy racers causing chaos. They got a court order to ban these dangerous car cruises after a series of serious incidents, including one that injured a pregnant woman.
The council told the court that these events were drawing huge crowds, with racers showing off their high-powered cars on busy roads and in parking lots. It’s a real safety concern, especially since some of these gatherings attracted people from as far as the Midlands.
Now, the new order makes it illegal for more than two racers to gather anywhere in the borough between 3 PM and 7 AM. This gives the police more power to step in and make arrests if needed.
They’re also cracking down on the antisocial behavior that often comes with these events, like drug use and other inappropriate activities in cars. The police reported that these gatherings could see over 300 sports cars, including fancy models like Mercedes and Aston Martins, racing around major roads.
Sadly, there have been injuries and even deaths linked to these reckless events. Between 2022 and 2023, there were at least sixteen fatal crashes, with seven involving driving styles typical of those attending these car meets.
One shocking incident involved a boy racer who hit a pregnant woman while speeding around a roundabout. The noise from these events has been described as “intolerable,” with some saying it sounds like a war zone.
Police have pointed out that many of the drivers are inexperienced and are often egged on by the crowd to push their limits. The noise from the stunts can travel over half a mile, causing major disruptions in the community.
Some attendees are even misled by organizers who sell merchandise and car modifications, not realizing they’re part of a dangerous scene. These events are tough to control since they’re often organized last minute on social media.
Enfield has seen its share of tragic accidents linked to racing in the past, including a horrific incident in 2013 that resulted in three deaths. The council decided to take action after a previous attempt to manage the situation with a Public Spaces Protection Order failed, with 30 car meets happening in less than a year.
The High Court granted the interim injunction last Friday, marking a significant step in addressing this dangerous trend.