Dispersal order to tackle vehicle-related anti-social behaviour

We are issuing a dispersal order in Stoke-on-Trent, as we continue to crack down on vehicle-related anti-social behaviour (ASB).

It comes following reports of large groups of drivers meeting at night on the A527, Reginald Mitchell Way, on Saturday (17 February) and Sunday (18 February).

This has caused persistent complaints and distress from local residents, and we want to act on their concerns.

The order, granted under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, gives officers the power to disperse anyone for the purpose of, or reducing the likelihood of members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed, distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder.

Failing to comply with an order is a criminal offence and officers can return anyone under the age of 16 to their home address.

PC Paul Seddon, problem solving lead for Stoke North local policing team (LPT), said: “At the end of last year we were receiving a large number of reports that Reginald Mitchell Way was attracting car meets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

“Previous enforcement of a section 35 order in the area, alongside warning letters, saw a decrease in calls and no reports for a number of months. However, we have been made aware of recent activity in the area.

“Dangerous driving and anti-social gatherings such as this cause disruption to communities and can put motorists and the public at risk of serious harm.

“Those found driving carelessly or dangerously, causing noise nuisance or acting in an anti-social manner, could see action taken against them in the form of warnings and vehicle seizure, fixed-penalty tickets, summons to court and possible arrest.”

The order covers Reginald Mitchell Way (A527), from the A500 to the A50, including Chatterley Road and Marlborough Way, as well as pavements, central reservations, roundabouts and grass areas to the sides of the carriageways.

The order runs from 7pm tomorrow (Saturday 24 February) until 11.59pm on Sunday (25 February).

Anyone with any concerns about vehicle-related ASB can contact us by reporting online at Contact us | Staffordshire Police, messaging us on our LiveChat via our website, or calling us on 101.