ANTISOCIAL drivers who meet to race and show off their skills could find themselves on the receiving end of a £100 fixed penalty notice.

Crawley Borough Council has asked its cabinet members to approve the launch of a borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to stamp down on car cruising.

A report due to be put before a meeting of the cabinet later this month said County Oak retail park, Manor Royal and supermarket car parks were among the hotspots for such cruising.

Antisocial behaviour has included racing and speeding, carrying out stunts such as handbrake turns and donuts, revving engines, blaring horns and pumping out loud music.

The report said that as well as leaving behind large quantities of litter, some of the people at the gatherings had urinated through the letterboxes of nearby businesses and even threatened employees.

The report said organised cruising events were usually held several times a week, with anything from two to 50 vehicles taking part. 

One event even included food stalls and the sale of merchandise.

It added: “The car cruise gatherings pose a danger to the wider public, road users and participants of the events due to the performance of stunts and the speed at which the vehicles are driven and possibility of drivers losing control and a crash occurring.”

Manor Royal business rangers who challenged the antisocial behaviour were reported to have been “intimidated and harassed” as a result.

One of them provided a statement about car cruising in support of the PSPO.

The report said: “This problem has been long standing within Crawley and affected businesses and residents have an expectation that the council will use its powers in an effort to curb the offending behaviour.”

If approved, the PSPO will see signs fitted to lamp posts in 37 locations around the town, including the neighbourhood parades, all three railway stations and throughout the town centre.

The report added: “PSPOs can send a clear message that certain behaviours will not be tolerated and help reassure residents and businesses that unreasonable conduct is being addressed.”

PSPOs were introduced under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and can last for up to three years, after which they must be reviewed.