Boy Racers Targeted in Snodland and East Peckham Crackdown
Police Strike Back Against Noisy, Dangerous Driving
Police have launched a tough new operation to tackle boy racers tearing up the roads in Snodland and East Peckham. The crackdown comes after a surge in complaints about anti-social driving, excessive speeding, and ear-busting exhaust noise disturbing local residents.
Last weekend, officers stepped up patrols at notorious hotspots, zeroing in on the A228 stretch between Snodland and Halling, plus the East Peckham by-pass. Their mission: clamp down on dangerous driving and unlawful street gatherings fueling local outrage.
15 Vehicles Logged for PSPO Violations
During the two-day swoop, police stopped several cars suspected of flouting a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering Tonbridge and Malling borough. The PSPO bans car-cruising in the area – a direct hit on racing antics.
Officers noted down details of 15 vehicles thought to have breached the order and passed them to local councils for action. Drivers caught breaking the PSPO face fines of £100.
One driver even got a Section 59 notice for careless, anti-social driving. That means if they or their car cause trouble again within 12 months, the vehicle could be seized.
Sergeant Sounds Warning: “Enough is Enough”
“Anti-social motorists can severely impact people’s daily lives,” said Sergeant Nick Atkinson, who led the crackdown. “Whether it’s causing havoc at unauthorised meets or risking others’ safety by driving recklessly, we’re watching. Anyone caught will be challenged and face tickets, arrests, or vehicle seizure.
“There’s nothing wrong with nice cars, but racing up and down, revving engines, and making noise just isn’t on. It upsets nearby residents and won’t be tolerated.”
Residents Fed Up with Weekend Mayhem
Locals have described the boy racer chaos as “terrifying” and “a regular nuisance,” especially on weekend evenings. One resident recalled being overtaken at “horrific speed” during last summer’s impromptu street meet.
Another vented frustrations over constant engine revving and popping exhausts around Snodland’s A228: “I’m all for fun, but not when it’s risking people’s safety.”
Community Support and Ongoing Patrols
Alongside street patrols, police urge residents to join My Community Voice, a free tool that lets locals report anti-social driving, drug misuse, or vandalism directly and receive real-time updates.
Officers vow to keep up the pressure and ask anyone spotting reckless driving or noisy gatherings to report it. The message is clear: if you cause trouble on Snodland and East Peckham’s roads, don’t expect to get away with it.