Cars seized by police after antisocial driving on Beachy Head

Eight Section 59 warnings – traffic offence reports – were also issued after a ‘large number of complaints’ from residents and councillors.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said the Sussex Roads Policing Unit and Eastbourne Neighbourhood Policing Team came together to send a strong message in response to concerns about antisocial driving near Beachy Head.

Inspector Rachel Barrow said, “Many people are concerned about the noise generated by high performance vehicles, and the examples of antisocial driving we received included tail-gating, exhausts popping, locking up rear wheels after an overtake, revving engines, wheel spinning and drifting.

“They are also extremely worried about the risk to other road users; we receive a large number of complaints from residents and from local councillors.

“Lockdown has seen an increase in the number of people taking their daily exercise in their vehicles and going to locations to engage in this type of driving activity as their recreation.

“This has been a problem since March 2020; prior to that locations such as Beachy Head have seen evidence of drifting overnight, with tyre marks and burnt out rubber from wheel spins, etc.”

Inspector Barrow also spoke about how the car meet ups appear to be organised and one officer has identified an active group on social media.

Inspector Barrow said, “On Sunday, we issued a number of s.59 warnings and some vehicles were seized either for no insurance or following a second s.59 warning within 12 months.

“We also had the speed indicator device and the speed guns out on the seafront and other areas of town. An unmarked car picked up on two drivers who were driving uninsured with expired licences.

“Both were reported for summons - but neither were up at Beachy Head. Another young man was found to be driving without valid insurance and he had his car seized.

“Our Roads Policing Unit colleagues picked up a drink-driver during the shift - again in the area, but not specifically on the Beachy Head Road.

“There is nothing like seeing a tow truck picking up someone’s pride and joy to discourage this type of driving, and I’d like to reassure the community that we will continue to work with our roads policing colleagues to take action against those who misuse our roads.”

Police will also be carrying out education, engagement and enforcement activity on the weekend of April 17/18 in support of the NPCC’s two-wheeled campaign.