A NEW dispersal order in West Thurrock is designed to reduce street racing and clamp down on other anti-social behaviour.
The dispersal zone, which comes through powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, will come in force on Tuesday, April 1 for a period of six months. The order gives police the power to give street racers the direction to leave.
The designated area is:
The A13 trunk road between the junction of the A126 to junction 30 (M25) and the A1306 eastwards from this location to the junction with Burghley Road, Chafford Hundred making up the northern boundary of this area.
From Junction 30 of the M25, south along the M25 I A282 to the Dartford River Crossing and the border of Kent on the QE2 Bridge and the Dartford Tunnel itself.
The southern boundary to be the northern bank of the River Thames and for Oliver Road, Hedley Avenue and St Clement’s Avenue to the north of the river.
The eastern boundary to be Stoneness Road, the A126 heading north and Fenner Road, Burghley Road to the junction of the A1306.
The dispersal zone also includes the whole area of the Sainsbury’s supermarket, Bannatyne’s Gymnasium and Premier Inn car parks in nearby Chafford Hundred. All roads, residential areas and commercial premises and any other public or private locations within this area to be included as part of this dispersal area.
Thurrock Inspector Leigh Norris said: “The dispersal order is another tool to combat the serious problem of street racing. Based on observations from my staff around some poor standards of driving behaviour, associated video footage I have seen on certain internet sites and listening to residents and visitors complaints, I am of the opinion it might only be a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured and that is why we are introducing this order.
“The introduction of this dispersal order is the result of partnership working with Thurrock Council and covers the area of West Thurrock that has been subjected to vehicle related anti-social behaviour, noise and street racing over a prolonged period of time. This order is another tactic for police officers and staff to assist them in dealing with this issue.
“Much has been achieved in the last year through a collaborative approach with the local council, local businesses and other interested parties and more activity and police operations are planned throughout the year.”