A Borough councillor has warned Bedford could become a magnet for illegal street racing and anti-social driving if local leaders fail to mirror new legal powers approved in neighbouring Central Bedfordshire.
Central Bedfordshire Council’s executive approved a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering its entire area after a public consultation in which 94% of respondents backed the crackdown.
Cross-border risk
Cllr Graeme Coombes (Conservative/Wixams and Wilstead) warned that without matching protection in Bedford Borough, drivers will shift their activities across council boundaries.
Addressing local concerns on the A6 corridor between Wixams, Elstow and Wilstead, Cllr Coombes highlighted the persistent danger posed by illegal meets.
In a post on his Facebook page, Cllr Coombes wrote: ‘This behaviour is euphemistically referred to by the authorities as ‘car cruising’, as though it was a jolly jaunt on a Sunday afternoon.
‘I prefer to call it what it is: maniacs racing up and down the A6 like idiots, posing a danger to themselves and others.’
Police powers
If introduced in Bedford Borough, a PSPO would grant police officers extra powers to issue fines at gatherings and gather CCTV evidence.
The measure would operate alongside Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002, which allows police officers to seize vehicles being driven in an anti-social manner.
Cllr Marc Frost (Conservative/Wixams and Wilstead) previously presented a petition signed by more than 500 neighbours calling for action along the stretch of road.
Bedfordshire Police subsequently logged 24 street racing incidents over a six-month period and confirmed they were working with council officers on a PSPO proposal.
With Central Bedfordshire’s order moving forward, Cllr Coombes says Bedford Borough Council must act swiftly to prevent drivers moving into the area to escape enforcement.
He added: “If Bedford Borough Council doesn’t do the same thing very soon, there is a danger that all the ‘car cruisers’ will come to Bedford, as it might be seen as the easier option, with fewer legal barriers and consequences.”
Announcing their PSPO in Central Bedfordshire, Cllr Liz Childs (Independent), executive member for communities, said that “vehicle-related anti-social behaviour is having a significant impact on communities”.
Adding, “The overwhelming support shown during the consultation demonstrates the need for action.
“This PSPO will provide an additional tool to help tackle behaviour that causes disruption and distress, helping to make our public spaces safer and more enjoyable for everyone.”
We asked Bedord Borough Council and the executive’s portfolio holder for their thoughts on a similar PSPO in the Borough, but they declined to comment.
