Police have warned car enthusiasts to not join in on so-called ‘car meets’ which they claim continue to present problems for South Yorkshire communities.

The force released the warning during anti-social behaviour awareness week, a national campaign from community safety experts Resolve.

South Yorkshire Police have said that seemingly innocent car meets - which see drivers and enthusiasts from gather in car parks, on carriageways and on roads to share a passion for cars - can often lead to more dangerous and reckless behaviour.

Previous incidents have included racing, people driving under the influence or using poorly maintained and dangerous vehicles, police report.

This has resulted in people nearly losing their lives, and one motorcyclist losing a limb after a collision.

In addition to the safety aspect of the meets, local residents are also blighted with noise from the vehicles and pollution.

Sergeant Martyn Micklethwaite, from the roads policing team and who leads the work around car meet, said: “We know there are people who meet with other car enthusiasts in a safe and controlled way to enjoy each other’s cars and company, and we will always extend our offer to work with organisers to fulfil this.

“But while we hear that meeting is not illegal, which is correct, the meets we see across South Yorkshire are not ‘harmless fun’. They are not always car enthusiasts; they are opportunists who want to show off in front of crowds in poorly maintained vehicles.

“We care for our communities, we care for everyone’s safety, and we ask that everyone thinks before they attend meets to help us help you.”