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Dispersal orders issued after warnings car enthusiasts to 'descend' on Medway

16:27, 10 February 2023

updated: 17:20, 10 February 2023

Dispersal orders are to be implemented for the third time as car enthusiasts plan to 'descend' on a Kent district.

Police say the motorists will "disrupt the lives of local residents" in Medway this weekend.

The Dockside Shopping Outlet in Chatham. Picture: Google
The Dockside Shopping Outlet in Chatham. Picture: Google

While in force, the orders allow officers to stop anyone involved in antisocial behaviour, move them on from the area and seize vehicles.

People who ignore instructions to leave can be arrested.

Police tweeted this afternoon, announcing that dispersal orders will be put in place from 6pm tonight until 6pm Sunday.

It said: "We are aware car enthusiasts are again planning on descending on Medway to disrupt the lives of local residents.

"As a result we have placed four dispersal zones across #Chatham Dockside, Hoo, Medway City Estate, #Strood Retail Park and #Medway Valley Park.

Police will be patrolling areas in Medway this weekend. Stock image
Police will be patrolling areas in Medway this weekend. Stock image

"We will be enforcing them."

They also encouraged people to report instances of antisocial behaviour online via the Kent Police website.

This is the third time in the space of four weeks that dispersal orders have been issued.

It was first implemented between 20-22 January, as a result of "information received indicating there could be large gathering of car enthusiasts, which in the past have been resulted in dangerous and antisocial driving and behaviour."

A police spokesman confirmed that two traffic offences reports were handed out during that time, along with three further notices to leave the area.

Anthonys Way in Medway City Estate. Picture: Google
Anthonys Way in Medway City Estate. Picture: Google

The following weekend it was put in place again after several groups of boy racers advertised meet-ups.

Police have been contacted for more information.

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