Police officer recognised for bringing cases against nearly 200 dangerous drivers at illegal car meets
Many of the drivers have been banned
A police officer has been recognised for his work at an awards ceremony for bringing cases against nearly 200 dangerous drivers at illegal car meets across Hampshire.
Dangerous and anti-social driving at illegal car meets are a “considerable concern for our local communities, affecting residents, businesses and road users alike”, police said.
Police Sergeant James Hall has been leading investigations against these drivers, leading to many of them being banned from the roads.
Since August 2024, 184 drivers have been dealt with for more than 300 offences involving illegal car meets, as part of efforts to stamp out the blight of dangerous and anti-social driving on roads.
As a result, more than £33,000 in fines and 171 penalty points have been handed out to offenders, 44 people have been disqualified and 93 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued.
In the most serious of cases, police have brought 87 offences to court. As a result of this increased action against these drivers, the force has seen a 43% reduction in the number of illegal car meets.
Sergeant Hall said: “The people who attend these events are often put at serious risk of harm by a minority who are seen performing dangerous stunts and speeding.
“I cannot stress enough that while you may think you are an expert driver, anyone can make a mistake. When you do make that mistake, you could be living with the consequences for the rest of your life.
“We have zero tolerance for this behaviour on our roads. It puts other road users at risk as well as bystanders attending these events, but it also is a blight on our communities who are fed up of the loud screeching and noises from popping exhausts.
“I hope the work I’ve been a part of has made a difference here and shows how committed we are to tackling this issue.”
PS James Hall was recognised for this work with a Certificate of Congratulations at the recent Joint Operations Unit Awards.
Over 40 officers and staff across both Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police were commended at Holdsworth Hall, Sulhamstead on 23 June.
Chief Superintendent Simon Dodds, said: “Sergeant Hall has led this work with outstanding professionalism, innovation and determination. Recognising how difficult these offences can be to investigate, he adopted innovative methods to capture offences including the use of drone technology, number plate recognition software and social media to identify those responsible, with many of the participants being from outside Hampshire.
“He has coordinated arrests, overseen the seizure of vehicles and devices and managed complex investigations with meticulous attention to detail.
“Most importantly, his efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in illegal car meets, making Hampshire’s roads safer for all. Sgt Hall has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in protecting our communities, while setting a clear standard of proactive, intelligence led policing that will have a lasting impact across the Force.”