Enfield Council Secures High Court Injunction to Ban Antisocial Car Meets
In a significant move to enhance community safety, Enfield Council has successfully obtained an interim injunction from the High Court to ban unauthorised car meets across the borough. The injunction, granted on 4 December, is set to take effect in the coming days once finalised, empowering both the Council and police to take robust action against dangerous driving and disruptive behaviour linked to these events.
The injunction follows compelling evidence submitted by the Council, local police, businesses, and residents, highlighting the disruptive impact of car meets. These unauthorised gatherings, often involving modified vehicles, have plagued Enfield with excessive noise, dangerous stunts, and risks to public safety.
Under the new measures, individuals participating in car meets could face severe consequences, including arrest and potential imprisonment. This decisive action aims to safeguard residents and businesses from the noise, property damage, and general nuisance associated with these events.
Cllr Gina Needs, Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Enforcement, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome: “I am delighted that the court has listened to the detailed evidence presented by the Council, police, residents, and local business owners. This injunction is a positive step in stopping those who continue to make our residents’ lives a misery through car meets.”
Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council, emphasized the importance of the ruling:
“This is an important step towards eradicating antisocial behaviour associated with car meets. We are committed to working with partners, including Transport for London, to identify long-term solutions and ensure the safety of our residents.”
Car meets are typically organised at short notice via social media platforms, attracting large crowds of drivers and spectators. Over the past two years, these illegal gatherings have increased in frequency and scale, escalating the risk of accidents and antisocial behaviour.
Local businesses, already burdened by economic challenges, have had to invest in costly measures such as security cameras and barriers to protect their properties and customers from the disruption caused by these events.
In addition to the injunction, Enfield Council is working closely with private landowners to deter future car meets. Measures include:
- Installing cameras and physical barriers.
- Enhancing real-time monitoring to respond swiftly to social media announcements.
- Strengthening collaboration with the police to maintain public safety.
The Council remains determined to address the root causes of these events. The injunction represents a significant milestone in improving the quality of life for residents and restoring peace to affected communities.
“This injunction is just one part of our broader strategy to tackle antisocial behaviour and ensure that Enfield remains a safe and welcoming place for all,” Cllr Erbil added.
Residents are encouraged to report any incidents of antisocial driving or car meets to local authorities, ensuring swift action to protect the community.
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