A heated debate has erupted following a major police operation at a car meet in Southend-on-Sea last weekend. The event, which attracted car enthusiasts from as far as Glasgow and Ireland, ended in controversy when officers shut down the seafront using a dispersal order.
The dramatic scenes unfolded when police formed a human barrier around a vehicle they were seizing due to anti-social behaviour. Three cars were confiscated in total—one for no insurance and two for reckless driving—while a driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving. Officers cited dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour as the reasons behind their strong response. Their response has been met with both support and criticism.
Essex Police issued a 12-hour dispersal order on the seafront, following the “reckless driving of some people who travelled to take part in an unauthorised car meet”.
Chief Inspector Dave Browning, Southend District Commander, defended the decision: “We know Southend is a wonderful place to visit, but when drivers descend on the seafront in such large numbers and drive recklessly, they present a real risk to public safety.”
He added that reports of dangerous driving weren’t limited to the seafront, with similar incidents occurring at Old London Road in Wickford and Roscommon Way in Canvey Island. “We know the action we took will have caused disruption and inconvenience to some people. We don’t take these decisions lightly, they were balanced with a generally good nature event. But unfortunately some drivers were wheel spinning and driving onto the pavement. We have seen the injury wheel spinning causes so took positive action to protect people. This type of driving can easily kill someone.”
Mixed reactions from the community
While some residents and visitors backed the police intervention, many criticised it as heavy-handed.
Rich Secker, who attended the event, shared his experience: “We had a great night, despite having to park absolutely miles away and walk in. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, and we saw virtually no silly behaviour. The police response was excessive, and even some officers we spoke to didn’t agree with the orders they were given. I hope the council and police see all the positive comments on Your Southend’s stories and re-think their future approach.”
Terry Austin highlighted the economic benefit of car meets: “Southend Council needs to realise this sort of thing brings money into the town. Some of the cafes along the seafront were open in the evening when they would normally be shut. Families were out looking at the cars, telling their kids this is what we did at the weekend back in the ‘80s and ‘90s.”
Simon Laughton, however, placed blame on those engaging in reckless behaviour: “Imagine being annoyed at the police and not at the one idiot who likely ruined the whole event by showing off.”
Anna Marianna suggested a compromise: “Perhaps the council and police should think again and license these events. Set a limit on car numbers, control where they can park, have marshals in place, and enforce no revving or illegal activity.”
Should car meets be officially organised?
The controversy has reignited the debate over whether Southend City Council should step in to help organise regulated car meets. Officially sanctioned events could offer a solution that benefits both car enthusiasts and the local community while ensuring safety and preventing disruption.
Chief Inspector Browning issued a warning to those planning to visit Southend for future car meets: “I know some people will have been disappointed that the event was dispersed, but our priority is keeping people safe. We will take decisive action if you present a danger.”
He added: “We do appreciate the vast majority of people were there for the right reasons and to have a nice evening, but this was ruined by the behaviour of a small minority who were determined to drive recklessly – putting themselves and others at risk. I also hope that our actions over the weekend give a clear warning to anyone thinking of coming to Southend and abusing the rules of the roads.”
The discussion is far from over. Should Southend embrace these events and work towards safer, structured meets? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
I went and it was a ton of fun. There was a huge range of cars for enthusiasts and the general public to enjoy and I would say only 0.1% of the cars there didnt behave themselves. I don’t see that as a reason to close it down. I’ve never seen a town closed down because 1 or 2 drunk people got into a fight. The council should totally get on board with this as an attraction. It had a vibe about it that fits a seaside town, it was like miami! If you can shut down entire roads for running or cycling races, this too could be done with participants who want to drive the strip paying at either end on a contactless machine to fund police presence. On paying there could be a temporary sign saying “don’t be a d*ck, or you will get nicked”. Simple. Done! I’m sure this could all be organised in conjunction with a car group who would sort out the other logistics of an event with no cost to the tax payer.