Twenty-four drivers have been sentenced following a major police investigation into dangerous driving at a Southend seafront car meet, with three new drivers set to lose their licences.
Essex Police says the convictions should serve as a warning to anyone planning similar events this summer after officers described the driving they witnessed as behaviour which “put lives at risk”.
The unofficial event took place over several hours on Saturday, 28 March, after being advertised on social media as the ‘Old Fellas Reunion’, a nostalgic gathering for owners of retro performance vehicles from the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.
The meet attracted large numbers of vehicles and spectators from across the country and, for much of the evening, created a lively atmosphere along Southend seafront. Many attendees and local residents praised the event for bringing together car enthusiasts and generating a positive buzz around the area.
However, Essex Police says a minority of drivers overshadowed the event through anti-social and dangerous driving on roads shared by residents, families and visitors.
Officers launched a detailed investigation after the event, reviewing extensive video footage to identify offences before issuing Notices of Intended Prosecution to the registered keepers of the vehicles involved.
The investigation led to the first of two dedicated traffic court sessions, specifically arranged to deal with offences linked to the Southend car meet. The first hearing took place at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on 23 June, with a second session scheduled for September.
130 penalty points handed out
During the first hearing, 24 cases were dealt with.
All defendants, aged between 18 and 53, were convicted of careless driving. Together they received a combined total of 130 penalty points, along with financial penalties.
Only seven of those convicted lived in Essex, with the majority having travelled considerable distances to attend the event.
Three new drivers will now have their licences revoked by the DVLA under the provisions of the New Drivers Act.
In addition, two motorists pleaded not guilty to careless driving, while four further cases were adjourned, meaning a total of 30 cases have so far been presented before the magistrates.
Two drivers whose modified vehicles were captured emitting flames from their exhaust systems were each fined and ordered to pay more than £730 in fines and costs, as well as receiving three penalty points.
Alongside the careless driving offences, some motorists were also prosecuted for driving vehicles without registration plates and using vehicles found to be in a dangerous condition. Police also established that at least two offenders were driving on provisional licences at the time of the event.
Every driver sentenced has also received a Section 59 warning, meaning both the driver and vehicle are recorded for 12 months. Any further anti-social use of the vehicle during that period could result in it being seized immediately.
Police: ‘Public roads are not racetracks’
Sergeant Will Willsher, of Essex Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said:
“What happened at Southend that evening was not harmless fun or enthusiasm for cars: it was dangerous behaviour that put members of the public at real risk.
“Residents, visitors and families have the right to use our roads safely without having to witness drivers treating them like racetracks. The manner of driving we investigated had the potential to cause serious injury or even result in someone losing their life.
“The amount of work that went into preparing these cases was significant with many hours spent reviewing footage, identifying drivers and gathering evidence to ensure those responsible were held accountable.
“The results from this special court session speak for themselves with 24 drivers issued a combined 130 penalty points, and three new drivers will now lose their licences.
“Every driver sentenced has also received a Section 59 warning, meaning any repeat behaviour could result in their vehicle being seized immediately.
“We hope this sends a clear message to anyone planning similar events this summer. If you come to Essex and choose to drive irresponsibly, intimidate communities or endanger other road users, we will act and pursue prosecutions.
“We want to be clear that we have nothing against genuine car enthusiasts. The vast majority respect the law, maintain their vehicles properly and show consideration for others. We will continue to support those people.
“However, anyone who believes public roads are a place to show off, race or carry out dangerous manoeuvres should expect us to deal with them very robustly.”
The force added: “These were completely dangerous actions which put lives at risk. Public roads are not racetracks, and the reckless decisions made that night could easily have ended in serious injury or worse.”
Essex Police said the investigation involved a significant commitment of resources, with officers spending many hours reviewing footage, identifying drivers and preparing evidence files for court.
The force says it hopes the outcome will deter anyone considering similar behaviour this summer while reassuring residents that robust action will continue to be taken against dangerous and anti-social driving.
Southend residents divided
The outcome has prompted mixed reactions from members of the public.
Keely Hook said: “I hate when a few spoil it for many others who generally enjoy meeting new people and looking at cars.”
Geoff Stedman said: “Southend needs some police units patrolling roads regularly, not just to swamp a car meet. Southend has become a dangerous racetrack!”
Peter Munson offered a different view, saying: “I think the police’s definition of dangerous driving at these events is very different to actual dangerous driving. It’s more like antisocial behaviour. The youth of today have nothing to do, and when they find something they love, it’s quickly governed by the authorities.”
The remaining cases linked to the investigation are expected to be heard at a second dedicated court session in September.