5 December 2024
Figures obtained by The AA show that at least 484 unauthorised ‘car meets’ or ‘car cruises’ have taken place across the UK up to mid-October this year1. Last year, at least 503 unauthorised ‘car meets’ were held, as well as a minimum of 377 in 2021.
Only 13 out of 45 UK’s Police forces could provide figures following a freedom of information (FOI) request by the UK’s leading motoring organisation.
From forces that could supply figures, Nottinghamshire Police has experienced the largest number of ‘car meets’, with 134 so far this year – on target to beat last years’ total of 136. Gwent Police have so far had 130 incidents, up from 96 events in 2022 and 52 the year before.
What is an unauthorised 'car meet' or 'car cruise'?
An unauthorised 'car meet' or 'car cruise' is where drivers meet on the public highway or in large public car parks to race or show their vehicles to others.
In addition to the FOI, a 10,000 poll of AA members2 found that one in 10 had seen an increase in unauthorised ‘car meets’ in their neighbourhood over the last 12 months, with the South East (14%), West Midlands (12%), East Midlands and Eastern England (both 11%) exceeding the national average.
Of those that had experienced more events in their area, eight out of 10 (80%) said one of the consequences was excess noise, while 71% said there have been more vehicles racing on the roads. Similarly, three fifths (61%) say there have been large congregations of vehicles meeting up at night, while more than half (55%) say there have been tyre marks left in car parks due to drivers showing off, excessively revving and burning their tyres, as well as doing doughnuts [spinning the vehicle at high revs while in full-lock, causing a circular shape].
“It is deeply concerning that these cruises are being used by some to drive dangerously, and in some cases causing harm to bystanders and damaging property.”
Worryingly, A quarter say there are more damaged streetlights and signposts due to the increase in events, and a fifth say there have been more crashes due to the unauthorised meets. Local authorities and Police are taking measures to tackle the rise in ‘car meets’ be carrying out more patrols, introducing signage and using anti-social behaviour dispersal laws to discourage them taking place.
The AA is highlighting the increase in ‘car meets’ due to the increased danger they present to those that attend, as well as the general public. Numerous events have seen large numbers of vehicles congregate in one place, leading to drivers being goaded to behave in a dangerous manner. Unfortunately, many people have been seriously injured at these events in recent years3.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said; “Far from the cry of legal car meet events, where enthusiasts show off their pride and joy, these anti-social pop-up cruises are causing havoc and chaos within neighbourhoods.
“Many events are arranged on social media to keep Police in the dark until frustrated residents phone up to report the activities. Even then, it is a mixed picture regarding if the Police will show up to disperse the meet. While there are dispersal orders available to forces to help break up the show, only a handful exist.
“It is deeply concerning that these cruises are being used by some to drive dangerously, and in some cases causing harm to bystanders and damaging property4.
“One way to tackle the problem is to have more cops in cars who can attend and disperse the crowd. As part of the government’s road safety strategy, it could hire 1,000 more traffic officers to help improve road safety and police the roads5.”
1. Summary of FOI data requested by The AA of all UK Police Forces;
2. Yonder received 10,237 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 15th to 23rd October 2024. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
4. Driver of dangerously modified BMW crashed into person at car meet - BBC News