Public consultation on measures to curb car cruising

PR2477/MC/MF - 17/11/2022

Mid Sussex District Council has launched a public consultation on new proposals to curb car cruising in the district.

In 2020 the Council introduced a Public Space Protection Order in Burgess Hill to address ongoing concerns from residents and businesses about car cruising. Local people had expressed anxiety about groups of people meeting with their cars, causing excessive noise and performing dangerous stunts.

The Public Space Protection Order in Burgess Hill is due to expire in April 2023 and Mid Sussex District Council is running a five-week public consultation to ask residents whether they would support extending it for a further three years until 2026.

Recently there have also been reports of car meets at Jobs Lane, just off the A2300 and at Birches Industrial Estate, Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead. In both areas this anti-social behaviour has had a detrimental impact on nearby residents and it is proposed that Public Space Protection Orders are also introduced in these areas.

Councillor Norman Webster, Cabinet Member for Community said:

“Anti-social behaviour at these car meets has a hugely detrimental impact on the quality of life of residents living nearby, so it’s important that we put the brakes on car cruising.

“The Public Space Protection Orders we introduced in Burgess Hill three years ago have worked well, helping to deter car cruising in the town and leading to a significant reduction in the number of complaints from residents about this anti-social behaviour.
 
“We’re proposing to extend the Public Space Protection Order in Burgess Hill until 2026, to keep this deterrent in place, and introduce additional restrictions along the A2300 and at Birches Industrial Estate in East Grinstead.

“The Council has worked closely with Sussex Police on these issues and they are supportive of extending and expanding these restrictions.

“You can have your say on these proposals as part of our five-week public consultation. Just head to www.midsussex.gov.uk/about-us/consultations/ before 22 December to share your views.”

For more information about how Public Space Protection Orders are used to discourage car cruising in Burgess Hill visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/environment/anti-social-driving/

ENDS