Matalan boy racers have brakes applied by dispersal order

Residents living in the vicinity of Mollison Avenue and the Matalan car park in Enfield can at last look forward to some peace and quiet on Sunday nights, as Enfield Council and the police bring in a new Dispersal Order to stop ‘boy racers’ blighting the area.

Up to 400 cars have been descending on the area at any one time to race at high speeds down local streets, and to congregate in not only the Matalan car park on a Sunday night, but also in other local roads and estates such as by Krispy Kreme’s (corner of Dearsley Road, Enfield), and in the Lee Valley Leisure Centre carpark. So called car enthusiasts also used car parks to do handbrake turns, high speed manoeuvres and other dangerous activities, often until the early hours, disturbing residents.

The Dispersal Order, which will run from Sunday 2nd March till Sunday 31st August 2008, will allow police to immediately disperse any gatherings of this nature, and arrest anyone who refuses to leave. The area of the Dispersal Order is the eastern side of the borough, using the A10 as the boundary.

During the period of the notice cars may be photographed with a view to sending the images to the driver’s insurance company to ensure that the vehicle is insured, and warning letters could be sent to drivers and passengers warning them of possible legal action.

Cllr Mike Rye, Leader of the Council said “I have read though the catalogue of problems that have been experienced by local residents in this area due to the thoughtless actions of these selfish people, and I am disgusted at what has been going on.

“Drivers racing at breakneck speeds through residential streets, many of them uninsured, some who have been drinking, out to cause as much noise and disruption to law abiding people as possible. I have also heard of the criminal damage caused as padlocks are broken so that they can enter private property so they can wheel spin and rev their cars and do whatever else it is they do all night. Well next week it stops!

“Thanks to the dedicated work of council and police colleagues this Dispersal Order will allow us to harass these anti social people as much as they have been harassing local residents with their noise, mess and disgraceful behaviour. I hope to see them driven out of town as soon as possible.”

Supt Dave Osborn, from Enfield Police said “We have conducted a series of high-visibility policing operations in and around Matalan car park and surrounding industrial estates and car parks to tackle this issue.

“Working with partners, including local businesses, we have been looking towards a long-term solution.

“Drivers have been congregating to perform various manoeuvres and show-off their driving skills, often at high speed and in a dangerous manner.

“The legislation attached to the Dispersal Order should put an end to this thoughtless activity which can put lives in danger. This also demonstrates our commitment to dealing with anti-social behaviour in anyway possible, including the seizure of vehicles."

This document was last updated on 2008-02-29 14:38:55 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_132442