By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
New traffic rules are being considered to disrupt dangerous car meets near Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station.
Police have warned that large groups gather to watch high-speed manoeuvres on roundabouts at the A453 junction, which put spectators and other road users at risk.
The events attract many vehicles “dangerously and obstructively parking on the carriageway” to watch the stunts.
Nottinghamshire County Council will ask the public whether part of the road should be made a ‘red route’ with no stopping, enforced by ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras.
The red route would include the three roundabouts to the south of the power station, as well as the bridge inspection area which is used as a viewing gallery.
A council report says that it wouldn’t affect any road users except those attending the car meets.
Nottinghamshire Police and Uniper Energy, who operate the power station, both back the measures, and Uniper have promised to fund the traffic order and the cameras.
The power station is due to stop operation next month and is proposed to become the East Midlands Freeport, meaning the route will see high levels of traffic.
Other means of deterrent have also been considered by the council.
Speed bumps would slow traffic, but may cause problems for HGVs and other large vehicles accessing the nearby marina and freeport.
Public Space Protection Orders would make gatherings illegal, but would still require police to attend and disperse groups.
Rushcliffe Borough Council are also considering using PSPOs to stop the meets moving to a new location nearby.
A council report says: “The significant parking issues are caused by car ‘meets’ where large numbers of participants gather to carry out various driving manoeuvres in front of often large numbers of spectators.
“These events cause danger to the participants, the spectators as well as members of the public using the highway at the same time.
“Events consist of many vehicles dangerously and obstructively parking on the carriageway with the occupants spectating whilst other vehicles take turns at manoeuvring around the roundabouts often at speed. Other spectators also gather on the roadside and in the bridge inspection area.”
The consultation was approved last week by Councillor Neil Clarke (Con), cabinet member for environment and transport, with details to be announced.
