Stafford Borough Police has issued a warning to drivers following a recent increase in reports of car meets, car cruising and street racing in the Stone, Tittensor and Trentham areas.

The police force is reminding the public of strengthened enforcement powers that came into force this summer under the Crime and Policing Act 2026.

New Police Powers

Changes to Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 mean officers no longer have to give a warning before seizing a vehicle where the legal grounds for doing so are met. Previously, officers would generally issue a warning before a vehicle could be seized, although exceptions existed.

Section 59 can apply where a vehicle is being driven carelessly or inconsiderately and its use is causing, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance. The strengthened powers can be used against anti-social vehicle activity including car cruising, street racing, off-road bikes, quad bikes and e-scooters.

Public Spaces Protection Order

Parts of the area are covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order aimed specifically at car cruising. Stafford Borough Council's order came into force on 15 May 2026 and includes the A34 within its designated area.

Activities prohibited under the order include speeding or racing as part of car cruising, performing stunts such as drifting or wheel spinning, driving in convoy, causing an obstruction and excessively loud music or repeated sounding of horns. The order also covers people attending a gathering of two or more vehicles as a driver, passenger or spectator where they engage in activity that would reasonably be considered car cruising.

Further Action

Vehicle registrations reported by members of the public, identified by officers or captured through CCTV or dashcam footage can result in further action. This can include a Community Protection Warning, which sets out restrictions on future behaviour. Continued offending can lead to a Community Protection Notice, with breaches potentially resulting in prosecution.

Anyone witnessing anti-social vehicle use, street racing, dangerous driving or car cruising can report it to police on 101. People should call 999 where a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to public safety. Police are asking people to provide vehicle registration numbers and descriptions where it is safe to do so.