Dispersal order re-issued to continue disrupting anti-social behaviour

We are re-issuing a dispersal order which will come into effect this Saturday (22 October) until Monday (24 October) as part of a clamp down on anti-social behaviour along areas of the M54 and surrounding roads.

The order, which runs from 5pm on Sunday to 5am on Monday, allows officers to disperse people from two separate areas (pictured below), if they are believed to be involved in anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Officers also have the power to return anyone under the age of 16 to their home address as part of the order.

Anyone committing an offence who refuses to adhere to this order can be fined up to £2,500 and/or receive a three-month prison sentence.

(above: A460, Cannock Road, between J1 of the M54 to J11 of the M6)

(above: A449, Stafford Road, in-between J2 of the M54 and Gailey Island)

This follows on from a previous order which was introduced in the same area last-weekend. It saw officers from both the local policing team (LPT) and the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) actively targeting those engaging in illegal street racing and excessive car cruising in the region.

The order was granted after members of the public reported spotting so-called ‘car meets’ involving more than 300 cars. They often take place between 10pm and 11pm, with hotspot areas along the M54, the A460 and towards Cannock.

Chief Inspector Chris Cotton, of the South Staffordshire LPT, said: “We are re-issuing this dispersal order in the best interests of our local community.

“Those engaging in illegal street races are actively putting other motorists in danger and causing alarm with local residents, businesses and visitors.

“We are committed to prioritising their concerns and will continue to work alongside specialist units in the force to implement measures which target those responsible.

“Local officers will continue to patrol hot-spot areas during the dispersal period and will be actively engaging with members of the public and making sure they feel safe.

“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure those responsible for anti-social behaviour are dealt with as quickly and effectively as possible.”