Banned car cruise in Scarborough: police say 'dangerous and reckless driving often seen at unofficial events is a real risk to public safety'

Sandra Rees, Scarborough Council’s community safety and safeguarding manager, said: “We stand by the decision to close the roads in the North Bay area of Scarborough on Sunday in order to prevent the car cruise. Public safety is and always will be our number one priority."

The council and the police shut down Royal Albert Drive, Marine Drive and Albert Road in Scarborough’s North Bay to traffic to stop what they called an “unapproved car cruise” by the Static Royals club.

In 2017 £50,000 worth of damage was caused to Royal Albert Drive following a Static Royals car event after a driver “burnt out” their tyres.

The club said the driver, who was later prosecuted, was not linked to the Static Royals in any way.

Ms Rees said: “The introduction of the public space protection order was subject to four weeks of public consultation between March and April 2018.

“Views ranged from strong support for the proposals to strong opposition, but on balance, it was felt that the order was justified to address the wider concerns regarding safety and anti-social behaviour.

“Whilst our decision to enforce the order might not be universally popular, we cannot ignore the serious problems witnessed at previous events and we will continue to take firm action, with our partners, to protect the public.”

Inspector Graeme Kynman, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Scarborough, said there had been “numerous and repeated” attempts to work with the cruising community who, he says, have declined their help.

He added: “We have no issue with genuine car enthusiasts who want to gather in appropriate places to enjoy their hobby and socialise, providing that they obtain the relevant permissions and comply with the law.

“But, the dangerous and reckless driving often seen at unofficial car cruise events is a real risk to public safety – serious injuries have been experienced at similar events in other parts of the country and only recently, a 19-year-old woman was killed.

"The risk to life is something we simply cannot ignore, however unpopular that decision may be.”