Council wants your views on unauthorised car meets

• Council backs Public Space Protection Order for Pimbo
• Public consultation on proposals now open (6 January)
• PSPO will look to combat significant issues presented by disruptive car meets

Following the Council's backing of the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to deter organised car meets on Pimbo Industrial Estate in Up Holland, a five-week public consultation on the plans is now open for residents to express their views.

West Lancashire has seen a significant increase in pre-arranged car meets at Pimbo Industrial Estate. These car meets are arranged in secret, online and happen without prior warning, making them difficult to pre-empt and police.  The use of PSPOs is considered to be the best way of preventing future problems locally and has been adopted as best practice in other local authorities where similar problems exist.

Lancashire Police has raised concerns with the Council and provided evidence to support the application for a PSPO in order to provide Police Officers with the power to act quickly and stop these anti-social gatherings of car cruisers and racers who are causing, or likely to cause, nuisance, alarm or distress to local residents and businesses.

Councillor Gareth Dowling, portfolio holder for Communities and Community Safety, said: "The Council enjoys a strong working relationship with Lancashire Police who have raised very serious concerns with us about the number and implications of cars meeting at Pimbo, often with over 300 vehicles in attendance at once from across the north west. We've committed to taking action to halt these activities and we now want to hear residents' thoughts about our plans.

"These high performance and modified cars have a significant impact on the local community and businesses on the Industrial estate, but also other locations across West Lancashire as the convoy of vehicles make their way to Pimbo. The hostility and disregard shown to the Police is outrageous and has escalated and the mess they leave behind is incredibly disrespectful to our Borough.

"We and the Police will not tolerate these disruptive and dangerous events and are determined to work together to put a stop to them for the safety and wellbeing of our residents and businesses."

Chief Inspector Chris Abbott of Lancashire Constabulary added: "The police continuously work closely with partners across West Lancashire and together we are committed in dealing with unauthorised car meets such as these, aware of the nuisance and disruption they cause the local community.

"The safety of those attending and of local residents is a priority, as we have seen tragic accidents elsewhere in the country due to similar events taking place. We continue to work closely with partners across West Lancashire in support of this PSPO, which when in place will be enforced."

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) are designed to stop individuals or groups committing criminal and / or anti-social behaviour in public places. Enforcement action can be taken by, Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers and authorised Council Officers.

The Council will now embark on a five-week consultation on the proposed implementation of the Car Cruising PSPO in Pimbo before it is put forward for final approval.

This order will prevent excessive noise, danger to road users and pedestrians, risk of damage to private property, litter and any nuisance caused to any other person.

The consultation will be open from 6 January to 13 February 2022. You can access the consultation here:

https://letstalkwestlancashire.uk.engagementhq.com/