Police cut off Barnsley car meet after drivers and quad bikes use roads as 'race track'

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Police used a road block to cut off a car meet in Barnsley after reports drivers were using the highway as a "race track.”

Officers were called to an unspecified Barnsley road on Saturday night (October 19) after members of the public reported people racing in the area.

South Yorkshire police say they used a road block to contain a car meet in Barnsley after reports drivers were using the surrounding roads a "race track."South Yorkshire police say they used a road block to contain a car meet in Barnsley after reports drivers were using the surrounding roads a "race track."
South Yorkshire police say they used a road block to contain a car meet in Barnsley after reports drivers were using the surrounding roads a "race track." | SYP

South Yorkshire Police says a road block was put in place that “contained all those participating” at the meet up, before officers “checked every vehicle”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Several drivers were given fines for illegal registration plates, tyres and modified exhausts, with four quad bikes stopped by officers with the use of a ‘stop stick’ spike strip.

Inspector Matt Collings, a roads policing officer, said: “We understand the passion and enthusiasm for cars, but showcasing your vehicle needs to be in a safe way, respectful of those living in the area.

“We have built up a good relationship with some of the known groups of enthusiasts operating in the area, who inform us of their meets and have come to operate really well within the boundaries of the law.”

Other groups do not inform police, he said, with new gatherings "popping up".

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Car cruising and car meets see owners showing off their modified cars and can include vehicles driven in convoy, speeding, racing and the revving of engines.

Inspector Collings said: “Our message is clear: the roads of South Yorkshire are not a race track.

“We are warning anyone thinking of taking part in meets such as the one at the weekend, where they have no regard for the law or the safety of the public, they will have action taken against them.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are not here to spoil the fun of people with a legitimate interest, but we must ensure that any events are safe and don’t put anyone at risk.”

A man was seriously injured in January 2023 at a car meet with over 100 vehicles in Selden Way, Catcliffe. No one was ever charged.

Meanwhile, on August 10, about 50 cars were held by officers on the dual carriageway on the A57 in Rotherham between junction 31 of the M1 and the Todwick roundabout following a car meet and racing.

News you can trust since 1887
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice