Political opinion: Mid Sussex MP raises A2300 car cruising concerns near Burgess Hill

The Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Sussex, Alison Bennett, has raised concerns in Parliament over illegal car cruising, calling on the Government to take further action to tackle the late-night disruption and intimidation affecting residents across Mid Sussex.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday 26 October, Alison highlighted the impact of illegal car cruising along the A2300 approaching Burgess Hill, where residents have reported being woken through the night by excessive noise and concerns over road safety.

She also raised the difficulties faced by residents travelling from surrounding rural lanes onto the A2300, where the behaviour of those involved in car cruising has left some drivers feeling intimidated.

During her question, Alison relayed concerns from a local farmer who reported that participants had travelled from as far afield as the Netherlands to take part in car cruising.

Despite a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) being in place and ongoing efforts by Sussex Police, the activity continues to cause disruption to local communities.

Alison asked the Government what further measures could be taken to deter illegal car cruising and help police break up these gatherings.

Responding to Alison, Minister for Policing and Crime Sarah Jones MP acknowledged the concerns and highlighted the potential use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to identify offenders and issue fines retrospectively.

The Minister also recognised the importance of police resources, neighbourhood policing and reviewing police shift patterns to help tackle the problem.

The issue forms part of wider concerns about road safety and antisocial behaviour across Mid Sussex, with residents regularly raising concerns about speeding, dangerous driving and the antisocial use of e-scooters.

Alison has previously raised concerns about speeding and antisocial driving with Sussex Police, including the difficulties residents can face when trying to report incidents.

Alongside this, Alison is supporting local efforts to introduce 20mph speed limits in Hassocks, Cuckfield and Lindfield, reflecting wider calls from communities for safer streets and measures to address speeding.

Commenting on the issue, Alison Bennett MP said: "Illegal car cruising is causing real misery for residents across Mid Sussex. I know that people are losing sleep because of the noise late at night, while others are being left feeling intimidated on our local roads.

"I also understand that reporting these incidents to the police has not always been straightforward, which only adds to the frustration for those affected.

"This is part of a much wider issue. Whether it is illegal car cruising, speeding or antisocial behaviour involving e-scooters, I regularly hear from residents who are concerned about safety on our roads.

"I am also supporting communities in Hassocks, Cuckfield and Lindfield in their efforts to introduce 20mph speed limits, because residents should be able to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods.

"Sussex Police are already working to tackle illegal car cruising, but with the disruption continuing, I wanted to raise these concerns directly with the Government and understand what further action could be taken.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe on our roads and enjoy peace and quiet in their own homes. I will continue to make sure residents' concerns are heard."