Essex Police Shut Down Massive Illegal Car Meet In Chelmsford and Thurrock
Up to 450 cars gathered in Chelmsford before moving to Thurrock for a massive underground car meet that sparked chaos on local roads. Essex Police swooped in, dispersing the crowds and bringing the dangerous street event to a halt.
Police Tackle Huge Car Meet
The car gathering started in the Sainsbury’s car park in Chelmsford and later shifted to Manorway in Thurrock. Local officers, road policing units, and the Operational Support Group were all called in to break up the meet. The crowd finally dispersed just before midnight, only to return in the early hours to another Chelmsford location—where police stopped them once again.
Crackdown Leads to Arrests and Fines
One person was arrested on the spot. Meanwhile, 22 attendees were slapped with fines carrying penalty points for offences like speeding and careless driving. Several others received formal warnings, with police threatening to seize vehicles if the dangerous antics continue.
Police Warn of Serious Dangers and COVID Rule Breaches
“These events pose a danger to the public with some drivers acting recklessly,” said Chief Inspector Richard Melton, Thurrock’s District Commander. “Only a few years ago, a young woman lost part of her leg after being hit during an illegal meet. We took rapid action and thanks to extra resources, managed to handle the huge number of vehicles without injury.”
Melton also highlighted that the meet broke government COVID-19 regulations, calling it a “clear and blatant breach.”
Stronger Measures in Place to Stop Future Meets
Essex Police are teaming up with Thurrock Council to clamp down on illegal meets. New public space protection orders (PSPOs) give officers extra powers to break up gatherings and keep roads safe.
“We will continue to work with partners to prevent these dangerous events and protect our communities,” Chief Inspector Melton vowed.
