HUNDREDS of drivers received written warnings from police after they descended on the city centre to showcase their vehicles, writes Tristan Harris.
People from all over the region gathered in the Cattle Market car park on Sunday night (October 19) for the organised meeting, but officers also attended to speak to drivers, the majority youngsters, and check vehicles.
About 20 were dealt with for having unroadworthy cars with faults including bald tyres, modified wheels, registration plates not on vehicles and one car which had no wings on it.
Officers praised the majority of the 300 or more drivers who came along for being sensible but as they left the car park they were warned not to get involved in racing or potentially dangerous manoeuvres.
They were also each given a notice telling them recent meetings of this type had seen some groups driving around the area in a dangerous and anti-social manner, including racing on the highway.
“This has caused distress and anxiety to a large section of communities,” the notice read.
“West Mercia Police will not tolerate such behaviour.
“If you are considering driving in this manner, be aware that you will be prosecuted and your vehicle may be seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.
‘Your insurance company may also be informed. Such actions endanger the lives of other road users.
“Dangerous driving may also result in a criminal record, period of imprisonment, disqualification from driving and will ruin your future prospects.”
Officers also took note of modifications to more than 200 cars and said they would be verifying with insurance companies the alterations were known about.
One driver, Matthew, who had come up from Cheltenham, said: “It’s really good – the police have been great.
“They have been helpful and friendly.”
But he added he felt more forces should take that approach.
But Craig Allington, from Wychbold, said he felt people with modified vehicles got a hard time by the police.
“We all have jobs, we all pay our way, we all have our insurance,” he added.
“There’s the odd few that act stupidly, but that’s just a minority.”
