Operation targets anti-social road users in Christchurch

Roadside checks were held in Highcliffe, Walkford and at Saxon Square Car Park, in order to target nuisance drivers in the area.

The operation was held last week in response to concerns from the community about anti-social driving and excessive noise from some vehicles exhausts. The concerns had resulted in both issues becoming PACT (Partners and Communities Together) priorities in the Highcliffe and Walkford area.

Safer Neighbourhood Officers were joined by vehicle examiners to target vehicles with modifications, such as body kits and after fit exhausts.

Drivers were stopped in roadside checks, where vehicles were examined and any offences found were dealt with. This included the issue of vehicle defect rectification scheme (VDRS) notices, which were given to drivers of vehicles which were found to have a defect.

Once a VDRS notice has been issued, the driver has 14 days to put the defect right or can face prosecution.

During the one-day operation, about 30 cars were checked, and around 25 per cent had some kind of defect that would lead to the failure of an MOT test.

PC Justin Clarke, of Highcliffe & Walkford Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Following the reports of drivers using vehicles in an anti-social manner, the police in collaboration with our partners, have acted quickly to increase activity in the area.

“This has been a hugely successful operation; we have addressed the issue head-on, which members of our community have told us they are concerned about.

“Anti-social driving can encompass careless driver behaviour to deliberate anti-social activity. It not only affects road safety but also the quality of life in the local neighbourhood.”

Further operations are being planned for the future in the Christchurch area.