Warnings issued over anti-social driving in Whitchurch
Whitchurch police have had to issue warnings to motorists after reports of anti-social driving in the town.
The Whitchurch safer neighbourhood team has had numerous reports of vehicles being driven in a manner causing "alarm, distress and annoyance" within the town this week.
Over the last week, two Section 59 warnings have been issued to drivers.
Deb Wheeler, safer neighbourhood officer, said: "As part of a multi-agency approach the Section 59's were issued this week. The vehicles were being driven in and around the town centre and the area of Smallbrook Road, I have had numerous reports over sometime regarding both vehicles.
"The vehicles were speeding in the local area with load exhausts that were back firing causing members of public to be disturbed and distressed, this included during the early hours of the morning which caused great annoyance to members of the community.
"This manner of driving will not be tolerated and is not acceptable and if further information is provided regarding other vehicles they will also be issued with Section 59's."
A statement on the Shropshire Cops Facebook page said: "A section 59 was written in law to stop anti-social use of motor vehicles.
"The law is there to stop anti-social use of motor vehicles that annoy the public or place people at risk. It also stops offenders who disrupt the quality of life of others at homes nearby.
"A Section 59 warning is issued first to allow the driver to make adjustments to their driving style or to their motor vehicles.
"If there are further complaints about the driver once the Section 59 warning has been issued, police then have the power to seize the motor vehicle.
"Once the vehicle is seized, the owner is liable for recovery and storage costs which must be paid before they can get their vehicle back."
Anti-social driving has also been a problem in other towns such as Market Drayton.
The issue has been causing a problem in the town for years, with residents complaining about engine noise late at night.
Previous attempts to tackle the issue have included installing CCTV in Towers Lawn car park and holding a drivers' awareness event.
The town's first ever Drayton Drivers event was attended by more than 60 people last June.
Last year one car was caught on CCTV doing "doughnuts" on Towers Lawn car park at night.
Police said that they take incidents of dangerous driving "very seriously" and have urged members of the public who see similar incidents to contact them.
