Demands to halt 'boy racers' staging dangerous stunts on roads around Horsham

Worried residents have described regular late night ‘car meets’ with drivers speeding along the A264 and A24 roads.

Now local councillors have launched a petition to ‘stop street racing’ and are calling on Sussex Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne for swift action. See https://www.horshamlibdems.org.uk/stop-street-racing

Southwater Councillor Alex Jeffery said he was frequently contacted by residents across Southwater “who regularly hear the late-night anti-social and unlawful driving that regularly enters the village, including skidding, burnouts, drifting and handbrake turns around roundabouts.”

He said a local resident was involved in an accident while travelling south along the A24 on Friday and described it as ‘a truly frightening experience and we both feel lucky to come out unhurt’.”

County Councillor Sam Raby added: “Residents in Colgate, over a mile away, can hear the revving of engines and screeching of tyres from drifting around roundabouts, with many residents of Kilnwood Vale, Faygate and Colgate fearful of using the A264 on Friday and Saturday evenings.”

Horsham MP John Milne, said: “This activity and the groups responsible are well known by authorities, and attempts to date have failed to stop the root cause of the problem. I will again raise this issue with Sussex Police, to put an end to the dangerous, illegal and anti-social organised activities.”

Problems first arose two years ago when late-night car meets were organised on the A264 at Kilnwood Vale, Faygate. Drivers were reported engaging in dangerous racing, burnouts and drifting. Police at that time stepped up patrols in the area.

But residents say problems continue. District Councillor Hannah Butler said: “Despite over two years of work with Sussex Police and PCC Katy Bourne, anti-social driving and organised car meets on the A264 near Kilnwood Vale are escalating again.”

Sussex Police have been approached for comment.