A total of 37 fines have been handed out following a car meet on Southend seafront last Saturday, as authorities cracked down on dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour.
Southend City Council’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) issued the Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for a range of offences, including reckless stunts such as burnouts and illegal parking that obstructed footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and access routes.
In a further effort to restore order, Essex Police enforced a 12-hour dispersal order, seizing three vehicles and arresting one driver on suspicion of drug driving.
One of the impounded cars, a white Ford Sierra Cosworth, was reportedly found to contain an engine from a stolen vehicle and was deemed unroadworthy.
The city’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which was first introduced in April 2023, aims to tackle excessive noise, dangerous driving, and other disruptive behaviours often linked to large-scale car meets.
While the majority of these gatherings occur without incident, last weekend’s event prompted significant enforcement action from both Essex Police and Southend City Council.
Councillor backs police crackdown
Cllr Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, defended the strong response, reinforcing that Southend remains open to responsible car enthusiasts but not at the expense of public safety.
“Southend welcomes responsible car enthusiasts, but public safety must always come first,” he said. “Sadly, a small number of reckless drivers caused disruption on 22 March and put lives at risk, and I fully support the police and council enforcement teams for taking action.
“It’s important to be clear, this is not about stopping car meets altogether. Our Community Safety Unit has monitored 24 car cruises over the past year, but enforcement has only been necessary at nine of them. Before the 22 March car meet, no FPNs had been issued for car meets since July 2024. The vast majority of these events do not require action, but when safety is put at risk, we will intervene.”
Police warn reckless drivers will face consequences
Chief Inspector Dave Browning, Southend District Commander, stressed that while most attendees were law-abiding, the behaviour of a reckless few left police with no choice but to take action.
“Southend is a great place to visit, but if a driver in a large group behaves recklessly, they pose a real danger. Dispersal powers are not used lightly, but they are necessary to protect public safety,” he said.
“Most attendees on 22 March were there to enjoy themselves, but the actions of a minority ruined it for others. If you come to Southend and ignore the rules, you will face the consequences.”
Authorities have confirmed that ongoing monitoring will continue along the seafront, with further enforcement action expected where necessary. Drivers are reminded that breaching the PSPO can result in fines.
Public reaction to the enforcement
The police crackdown has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some defending the need for order and others lamenting what they see as excessive restrictions.
Commenting on the number of police officers that were drafted in to the seafront, Chris Lapworth expressed frustration: “It’s a shame you don’t see that many coppers when your house gets broken into.”
Others reminisced about Southend’s car scene in years past. Mr Tee commented: “It was a great night seeing all the old classics. Lovely to see the Mk One Escorts still on the road. Brings back memories of back in the 90s when Southend on a Saturday night with a car meet was the norm.”
Debbie Pope echoed similar sentiments: “I’m not a car enthusiast but I remember Southend buzzing on the cruise nights – I think they used to be monthly. Never any trouble, just everyone having a good time.”
On the other hand, Barbara Fonseca supported the police intervention, citing safety concerns: “The police were acting to prevent any accidents. It’s clear from the photos that people were very close to the cars, and if someone had lost control, the consequences could have been severe.”
Allan Rawai suggested an alternative approach to future events: “Close the road to all cars except for these rally cars. It’s great to watch, it’s good for the traders selling drinks, fish and chips, donuts etc. What’s the harm? And I’m 72 saying this.”
The debate over the balance between allowing car enthusiasts to gather and ensuring public safety continues, with authorities keen to enforce regulations while allowing Southend’s vibrant automotive culture to thrive responsibly.
Some photos courtesy of MaxWolf Media.