POLICE have warned that the roads of South Yorkshire are not a race track and that anyone thinking of taking part in meets such as the one at the weekend will face action.

Police have told car enthusiasts that dangerous and anti-social behaviour which poses a risk to our communities will not be tolerated on the county’s roads.

A police spokesman said: “We understand that car lovers will want to attend gatherings and showcase their vehicles, but this needs to be done in a controlled and safe way.

“Meets that pose a risk to attendees, the public, and cause anti-social behaviour for local residents will be dealt with in a robust way.”

On Saturday night roads policing officers responded to concerns from the public that drivers were using Barnsley roads as a racetrack.

Upon officers’ arrival, a roadblock was put in place, containing all those participating in the meet; this gave officers the opportunity to check every vehicle to ensure it was legal and road worthy.

Of those checked, some drivers had their vehicles seized, others were given fixed penalty notices for offences including registration plates, illegal tyres and illegally modified exhausts.

A stop stick was also used to bring four quad bikes to a stop in the area.

Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: “As roads policing officers, 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.

“Unfortunately, there are some that do not do the same, and occasionally we also see new groups popping up.

“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.

“We can seize vehicles that are being driven in anti-social manner and will carry out thorough checks of insurance, licence, and modifications. We may also report concerns to your insurance companies.

“This is not the first time we have used a road closure; on 10 August, following a car met on the A57 in Rotherham, we held around 50 cars on the dual carriageway between junction 31 of the M1 and Todwick roundabout. We had the support of the National Police Air Service above, capturing evidence and footage of those committing offences, which enabled us to process drivers both at the time and at a later date.

“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.

“For anyone wanting to organise a car cruise/car meet, please email carcruise@southyorks.pnn.police.uk to let us know or to ask for any advice on keeping it safe and lawful”