Drivers across a popular region have been warned of new traffic orders which could see offenders face tougher penalties for the first time.
It comes after South Cambridgeshire District Council gave the green light to a Public Space Protection Order for Milton Park and Ride after residents overwhelmingly backed new action against disruptive driving behaviour.
The authority received 125 responses during public consultation, with 118 people supporting stricter measures to address the anti-social activities that were found to be plaguing the Butt Lane site.
The new order will target dangerous driving practices that have troubled the local community, introducing enforceable rules that carry financial penalties for those who breach them.
As part of the measures, Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology has already been installed at the location, enabling the council to monitor vehicles and issue fines without requiring personnel to be present at the site.
The need for the rules follows resident complaints about enduring two years of disturbance from vehicles using the site for dangerous stunts and racing activities. The problems have included motorcycles and cars performing burnouts, skidding manoeuvres and excessive speeding throughout the area.
Engine revving was also flagged as a persistent issue, with some residents comparing the noise levels to a motor racing circuit. Loud music from vehicles added to the disruption, particularly during evening and late-night hours.
Reports have also highlighted instances of intimidating and abusive conduct from drivers engaging in these activities.
Residents had been increasingly complaining about noise from drivers
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GETTYThe council explained that anti-social activities have occurred regularly, with weekends and summer months seeing peak cases when the disruption continued past midnight.
The consultation revealed the severe impact on residents’ quality of life, with many describing sleepless nights and stress caused by the disturbances.
“Some evenings it sounds like the starting grid at Brands Hatch,” one resident commented, while another reported that their family “frequently listen to acceleration anticipating the sound of a crash.”
Parents expressed particular concern about their children’s welfare. “In summer, children cannot sleep on school nights,” stated one respondent, with another family considering relocating from the village entirely due to persistent disruption.
The powers hope to deter drivers from dangerous driving practices
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SOUTH CAMBRIDGSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
Multiple residents also highlighted how the noise affects their work schedules, with one noting: “The late-night disturbance is stressful and impacts the following day when sleep is disturbed or not possible with early work shifts.”
Another consultation participant described how “anti-social use of this area has had a considerable impact on the local community’s wellbeing and sense of safety.”
Cambridgeshire County Council has already instructed contractors to complete preparatory work at the Milton Road location.
Councillor Natalie Warren-Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Environment, welcomed the public response: “We’re really pleased with the level of public engagement. The message is clear – people want action.”
The council warned of spikes in anti-social behaviour from drivers during the summer and late evening
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SOUTH CAMBRIDGSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
“The Milton Park and Ride should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone, and this PSPO gives us the tools to tackle the reckless behaviour that’s been causing distress,” she warned.
Meanwhile, local councillor Anna Bradnam praised the order’s deterrent potential: “It gives the ability to issue a fixed penalty on the first offence, which will nip bad behaviour in the bud and act as a short, sharp shock for antisocial drivers.”
The authority has also moved to simplify future implementations of similar orders at other park and ride locations. Cabinet members approved delegating decision-making powers to council officers working alongside the Lead Cabinet Member for Environment.
This streamlined approach emerged from feedback received during the Milton consultation process. The change means the council can now respond more swiftly to anti-social behaviour issues without requiring full cabinet approval for each order.