Police tell cruisers 'don't bother turning up' (From Southend Standard)

Whilst I acknowledge there are dangerous drivers amongst all sectors of the population, I do not think the Police make a genuine effort to connect with car enthusiasts in a mutally respectful way.

Labelling groups with derogatory terms from the outset is obviously a form of prejudice. Boy Racer is not a compliment nor a respectful title.

Many meets held in car parks, after peak hours are often great evenings. Men and women discussing motors and sharing their passion for them. You'll always get the numptys that decide to speed or break the law and rightly so they should be penalised but harrassing cars that have committed no offence is disgusting.

On multiple occasions I am tailgated by Police cars and egged on to speed just because of the car I drive. That's not pro-active policing, that's entrapment. Creating criminals to fill a target quota.

I know some will think change cars but why should I? I have commited no offence, I am insured, taxed, MOT'd and have a right to do what I like within the limits of the law.

If you were told not to wear shoes because although not illegal, you'll get stopped and searched more how would you feel?

Once again, I'm not condoning illegal activity, far from it. I'm merely stating that harrassing cars that are not commiting offences or causing a nuisance is wrong.

@PoorFleet:
I think you should be aware that it was the reporter who used the term "Boy Racer". The statement from the police was exactly what one might expect- A statement of intent to ensure a safe time for all (involved in the planned event or not).

doasilikey wrote:
@PoorFleet: I think you should be aware that it was the reporter who used the term "Boy Racer". The statement from the police was exactly what one might expect- A statement of intent to ensure a safe time for all (involved in the planned event or not).

That it was, my mistake.

I hope the Police remember to focus on criminals and not those there to enjoy the evening legally.

The journalist that wrote this piece should know better than to use offensive and inflammatory terminology.

while trying to respect these people with their cars it should be locked up until a resolution is found and what a waste of extended police time at the moment. if these guys want a show let them pay for police time..... all the best for them.....

They are a thukking pain in the asze.. Bunch of idiots.. broooom brooooom screach brooom broooom.. They need to grow up .. Tozzers

These Gays should find a nice spot in a quite country lane or hire a hotel room to undertake their cruising activities. I have nothing against Gays but they shouldn't be cruising in a public place in front of families and children.

I find it funny how people assume boy racers are yobs, yeah it looks and sounds a bit yobbish but all the boy racers i've ever met have been complete nerds who spent most of their teenage years either working in supermarkets or in their garages putting spoilers and stickers from max power magazines on their cars

excuse me, but where did 'gays' come into it? and surely the M25 at night is is the best place for them? They are car anoraks not car park perverts

@PoorFleet - Point well made. This sort of writing suggests all car enthusiasts are 'boy racers' and that is far from the truth.

Lets clear something up i go to the meets at lakeside and we do meet up in big groups and you do get the odd idiot. But at the end of the day everyone that goes has a passion for cars, and its a place where people show other enthusiasts in the car scene that they have done something different or done something to there car to improve it. The term boy racer is starting to bore me now i know people who go to lakeside, who are over the age of 25. Its also sexist because there are alot of women aswell. Lakeside is a great place for us to meet in the evening as it has plenty of space for everyone. I dont think the fast food companies like McDonalds and KFC will have much to say because if we did not go they would not be open and also it means giving people jobs to go to so they can provide for their families or households. we get bad press and the police should really think about giving us a place to go and going to catch some real criminals eg burglers, muggers say what you like but some of you writing these comments have sons and daughters even freinds and family that go to lakeside i would rather be there with all my mates having a chat than going to a club were fights break out drunk people being sick everywhere everyone has there choice of evening activity and speaking for the majority that go to lakeside we enjoy meeting there because its near to everyone and people come from all over. bish bash bosh rant over

To going from being the captain of Arsenal to being a Policeman at Lakeside is a downer.

Why can't they let these people have the use of a deserted airfield in the middle of nowhere?

They could then make as much noise as they like without annoying anyone.

APR wrote:
Why can't they let these people have the use of a deserted airfield in the middle of nowhere?

They could then make as much noise as they like without annoying anyone.

Because that would cost money, and as c180essex says the Police should give them somewhere to go!!

Why should the Police give you somewhere to go?

If as you say there is a big crowd of you then club together and hire an airfield, take a look at this site, http://www.vmax200.c
om/

What makes me laugh the people hwo waste money on dumb aftermarket puts that sound and look daft seem to think they can take on any car ! So when Ford Renault GM & Citreon spend billions designing , testing, building and releasing new models along comes nerdy racer bolts on some Leds, tin pot tailpipe, wrong size rims and BS airfilter and wastes there money ! Oh realy do you think girls go "WOW" he can rev a car up and do a wheelspin ??? NO they think what a W@nker ! Grow up and save up for a proper car and go on a trackday to realy learn how to handle supercars designed by for that purpose. I Did and thats why i am saying "Get a FCUKing Life"

SaveOurStanford...su
rely what someone does with a car THEY have purchased is THEIR business, so maybe you should get a life..oh look, I did it without pretend swearing..

Terry2says wrote:
They are a thukking pain in the asze.. Bunch of idiots.. broooom brooooom screach brooom broooom.. They need to grow up .. Tozzers

Yessss...okay...don'
t worry Terry...nurse will be here soon...just hang on there buddy...

belfairs wrote:
excuse me, but where did 'gays' come into it? and surely the M25 at night is is the best place for them? They are car anoraks not car park perverts

I assume A.N.Other came across the following website whilst googling Thurrock Cruising Lakeside. I know I did.

http://www.cruisingg
ays.com/thurrock/c/a
reas/

@SaveourStanford - You clearly know nothing about the custom car scene.

@APR - The isssue isn't that they are annoying people because Lakeside is dead at that time of night. The Police don't want it because it has to be policed.

muffindamule wrote:

belfairs wrote:
excuse me, but where did 'gays' come into it? and surely the M25 at night is is the best place for them? They are car anoraks not car park perverts

I assume A.N.Other came across the following website whilst googling Thurrock Cruising Lakeside. I know I did.

http://www.cruisingg

ays.com/thurrock/c/a

reas/

Strangely enough I came across the same site when I googled 'gay cruising thurrock'. What a coincidence !
;-)

Tend to agree with Poorfleet. If you have spent a lot of time and money on your car why shouldn't you be able to meet up with other enthusiasts? I always quite liked the Southend Cruise though I have no interest in showing my beloved 10 year old car. Let them get on with it and unless they break the law, where's the harm?

It certainly beats pubbing and clubbing and the antisocial behaviour so often connected with such 'pastimes'.
It might be a good idea if the true enthusiasts were to draw up a code of conduct which takes into account the reservations other road users and local residents may have concerning such meets.
Such codes of conduct have proved highly effective in the sport of angling , for instance, where they have led to better treatment of fish, a cleaner bankside environment and a better acceptance of the sport generally .

How times change.

It used to be enough to put a set of Goodyear G800s and a pair of spotlights on your car.

With a Harry Moss radio :)

Are we still making the same pathetic comments about this?! So what if someone wishes to modify their car? Do any of you have tattoos? Or dye your hair etc? If a person can do that to themselves, why can't they modify their car as long as it is done properly and legally? I have spent a good couple of thousand modifying my car - why you may ask? Because I want to! Not because I want to annoy the neighbours screeching round corners with a super loud exhaust/music system, not because I'm "gay" and no, it's not to impress the women because...shock horror..I am a woman!!! And I am most certainly not a boy racer, I am a modified car enthusiast.
It is amusing to see the face on the police who pull me over for no reason when they see I'm female as they always assume I'm some wannabe "boy racer" and end up very disappointed.
But the whole point of this story is that the police are (rightly so) not warning people not to go but that if you're going to do donuts and race like an idiot then you will be dealt with appropriately - and rightly so! The Lakeside meet, normally involves several local groups getting together, parking up their cars and just having a chat - how this is a disturbance to anyone I don't know. Unfortunately it is simply a case of the minority ruining it for the rest of us. I personally wish the police all the best in clamping down on these fools as do the rest of us who abhore the idiotic behaviour displayed by some.

Police tell cruisers 'don't bother turning up'

there'll be no room for the swingers and doggers otherwise....

King El wrote:

muffindamule wrote:

belfairs wrote:
excuse me, but where did 'gays' come into it? and surely the M25 at night is is the best place for them? They are car anoraks not car park perverts

I assume A.N.Other came across the following website whilst googling Thurrock Cruising Lakeside. I know I did.

http://www.cruisingg


ays.com/thurrock/c/a


reas/

Strangely enough I came across the same site when I googled 'gay cruising thurrock'. What a coincidence !
;-)

Why don't these gay cruisers hold parade through Grays? I'm sure the local Labour council will give them some funding.

These gay lads only have themselves to blame for the Police persecuting them I supose they should keep their neferious activities behind closed doors instead of the middle of Lakeside.

A Dermot wrote:

King El wrote:

muffindamule wrote:

belfairs wrote:
excuse me, but where did 'gays' come into it? and surely the M25 at night is is the best place for them? They are car anoraks not car park perverts

I assume A.N.Other came across the following website whilst googling Thurrock Cruising Lakeside. I know I did.

http://www.cruisingg



ays.com/thurrock/c/a



reas/

Strangely enough I came across the same site when I googled 'gay cruising thurrock'. What a coincidence !
;-)

Why don't these gay cruisers hold parade through Grays? I'm sure the local Labour council will give them some funding.

These gay lads only have themselves to blame for the Police persecuting them I supose they should keep their neferious activities behind closed doors instead of the middle of Lakeside.

Well, I don't care what anyone says, I shall be turning up. It's time to knock an 'R' out of the area and make it Gays Thurrock. Is there anyone out there better than me at knocking 'Rs'?

Gay Ray wrote:

A Dermot wrote:

King El wrote:

muffindamule wrote:

belfairs wrote:
excuse me, but where did 'gays' come into it? and surely the M25 at night is is the best place for them? They are car anoraks not car park perverts

I assume A.N.Other came across the following website whilst googling Thurrock Cruising Lakeside. I know I did.

http://www.cruisingg




ays.com/thurrock/c/a




reas/

Strangely enough I came across the same site when I googled 'gay cruising thurrock'. What a coincidence !
;-)

Why don't these gay cruisers hold parade through Grays? I'm sure the local Labour council will give them some funding.

These gay lads only have themselves to blame for the Police persecuting them I supose they should keep their neferious activities behind closed doors instead of the middle of Lakeside.

Well, I don't care what anyone says, I shall be turning up. It's time to knock an 'R' out of the area and make it Gays Thurrock. Is there anyone out there better than me at knocking 'Rs'?

Well, Ray, we'll have to see won't we?

lakeside racetrack ftmfw lool

Surely in a free democratic country if people want to meet up and compare cars, bikes, lollysticks they are allowed to do so, as long as they stick to the law.

Im find the police statement rather strange and slightly worrying in a big brother state kind of way.

There have been plenty of cop shows on Tv where the police turn up at events, chat to people and gain their trust, these days no-one every comes into contact with the police, they stay in their cars, in big stab proof vests and certainly do not look friendly and approachable.

Its worth remembering the police, police with our consent and they need our help to stop crime, alienating yound drivers is not a good way to go about this.

Andy

Minceir. wrote:

Gay Ray wrote:

A Dermot wrote:

King El wrote:

muffindamule wrote:

belfairs wrote:
excuse me, but where did 'gays' come into it? and surely the M25 at night is is the best place for them? They are car anoraks not car park perverts

I assume A.N.Other came across the following website whilst googling Thurrock Cruising Lakeside. I know I did.

http://www.cruisingg





ays.com/thurrock/c/a





reas/

Strangely enough I came across the same site when I googled 'gay cruising thurrock'. What a coincidence !
;-)

Why don't these gay cruisers hold parade through Grays? I'm sure the local Labour council will give them some funding.

These gay lads only have themselves to blame for the Police persecuting them I supose they should keep their neferious activities behind closed doors instead of the middle of Lakeside.

Well, I don't care what anyone says, I shall be turning up. It's time to knock an 'R' out of the area and make it Gays Thurrock. Is there anyone out there better than me at knocking 'Rs'?

Well, Ray, we'll have to see won't we?

I shall be there on my best behaviour too, watching my Ps and Qs. I strongly advise you, Gay Ray, to watch your Rs. It sounds like you may have Minceir for company.

I've had the misfortune of being in Tesco Lakeside's car park when a group of - I don't know what to call them - kids with cars has met there. They rev their engines and play the most godawful music (although I use music in the loosest possible sense) very loudly. They're a bloody nuisance.

To all of you saying "why shouldn't we" I'll throw this back at you - why SHOULD you? If you're that keen to meet and discuss the size of your woofers and tweeters, or tyres, or exhausts, why don't you form a club, buy your own land and meet there. Then there would be no need for the police, on MY tax dollar, keeping an eye on you. And the general public wouldn't feel intimidated popping to Tescos for a pint of milk.

I'd like Andy to explain to me exactly what part of Insp. Adams' he finds "strange" and/or "worrying". Is it the fact he is concerned about previous incidents where people have been injured? Or is where he says the police "will take all possible action against anyone driving dangerously"? Or maybe it's that the police will provide "a visible presence ensuring anybody in the area has a safe and legal evening". Yeah, Andy, that's really sinister...the police wanting people to act safely and within the law, what an absolute shocker.

pmc1969 wrote:
SaveOurStanford...su rely what someone does with a car THEY have purchased is THEIR business, so maybe you should get a life..oh look, I did it without pretend swearing..

Oh i got a life driving Amg mercs for a living laughing at you and your bumchums with bass boxes with your rather pathetic ! your pony punto with eyelashes stuck on headlights and pretending a 950cc engine with 25bhp is a racing machine with blue led's and a bean tin exaust tailpipe ! Yep you sure are living the life in the inside lane or hard shoulder !

rjsizzler wrote:
@SaveourStanford - You clearly know nothing about the custom car scene. @APR - The isssue isn't that they are annoying people because Lakeside is dead at that time of night. The Police don't want it because it has to be policed.

Yeh you ar right i buy a proper car designed by mercedez and has no dumb stickers saying Max Pratt or Nitro nutter giving it big revving a standard car with £100 of halfords bolt ons !

They should bring back the cruise on Southend sea front like we had in the 1970's. Used to attract crowds of people to see the real custom cars. Great fun and not many boy racers. Mainly proper enthusiasts.

grays_mum wrote:
I've had the misfortune of being in Tesco Lakeside's car park when a group of - I don't know what to call them - kids with cars has met there. They rev their engines and play the most godawful music (although I use music in the loosest possible sense) very loudly. They're a bloody nuisance.

To all of you saying "why shouldn't we" I'll throw this back at you - why SHOULD you? If you're that keen to meet and discuss the size of your woofers and tweeters, or tyres, or exhausts, why don't you form a club, buy your own land and meet there. Then there would be no need for the police, on MY tax dollar, keeping an eye on you. And the general public wouldn't feel intimidated popping to Tescos for a pint of milk.

I'd like Andy to explain to me exactly what part of Insp. Adams' he finds "strange" and/or "worrying". Is it the fact he is concerned about previous incidents where people have been injured? Or is where he says the police "will take all possible action against anyone driving dangerously"? Or maybe it's that the police will provide "a visible presence ensuring anybody in the area has a safe and legal evening". Yeah, Andy, that's really sinister...the police wanting people to act safely and within the law, what an absolute shocker.

I think you'll find the currency in the United Kingdom is the pound.

@SaveourStanford - I find your comments demeaning, rude, offensive and down right disrespectful! How dare you call us bum chums and accuse us of putting cheap halford bolt ons on our cars etc when you don't even know us nor what we actually do and pay for with our cars!

If those comments along with the foul language and your misconception that you driving a merc makes you so much better than those of us who drive modified cars are your only arguament in this situation, clearly you have no idea what you're talking about and therefore I would suggest that you prevent further embarrassment to yourself by not commenting any further.

@SaveourStanford - I find your comments demeaning, rude, offensive and down right disrespectful! How dare you call us bum chums and accuse us of putting cheap halford bolt ons on our cars etc when you don't even know us nor what we actually do and pay for with our cars!

If those comments along with the foul language and your misconception that you driving a merc makes you so much better than those of us who drive modified cars are your only arguament in this situation, clearly you have no idea what you're talking about and therefore I would kindly suggest that you prevent further embarrassment to yourself by not commenting any further.

There seems to be a contradiction here as the report warns cruisers not to turn up and then states they will be patrolling to ensure a safe and legal event.
I'm not sure that the police have the power to ban these kind of meets unless they can prove they are illegal.
Personally I have no particular interest in custom cars, but I do enjoy seeing them parading and appreciate the amount of work put in.
My personal limited experience is that cruisers are usually friendly and law abiding. After all who wants to spend a small fortune and then drive dangerously?
The biggest problem is the non-custom cars who want to do wheelies and handbrake turns etc., with a couple of go faster stripes and a noisy exhaust.

bignosechaff wrote:
They should bring back the cruise on Southend sea front like we had in the 1970's. Used to attract crowds of people to see the real custom cars. Great fun and not many boy racers. Mainly proper enthusiasts.

Indeed, I don't think many objected to them.
As then it wasn't all about having the loudest sound system, and a schoolgirl in the passenger seat.

Police tell cruisers 'dont' bother turning up'

Shame they didn't offer similar advice a century ago. Could have saved a lot of lives.

SaveOurStanford wrote:

pmc1969 wrote:
SaveOurStanford...su rely what someone does with a car THEY have purchased is THEIR business, so maybe you should get a life..oh look, I did it without pretend swearing..

Oh i got a life driving Amg mercs for a living laughing at you and your bumchums with bass boxes with your rather pathetic ! your pony punto with eyelashes stuck on headlights and pretending a 950cc engine with 25bhp is a racing machine with blue led's and a bean tin exaust tailpipe ! Yep you sure are living the life in the inside lane or hard shoulder !

It is rather childish to call these young gay chaps a bunch of "bumchums". This isn't the school playground and gay rights have leaped forward in the past decade.

I have nothing against these gay chaps in their efeminate clothes and modified cars meeting up but they should keep any sexual activity well and truly behind closed doors and not on open display in the middle of Lakeside.

muffindamule wrote:
Police tell cruisers 'dont' bother turning up'

Shame they didn't offer similar advice a century ago. Could have saved a lot of lives.

That little joke will go down like the Titanic .

All 9 of me wrote:

grays_mum wrote:
I've had the misfortune of being in Tesco Lakeside's car park when a group of - I don't know what to call them - kids with cars has met there. They rev their engines and play the most godawful music (although I use music in the loosest possible sense) very loudly. They're a bloody nuisance.

To all of you saying "why shouldn't we" I'll throw this back at you - why SHOULD you? If you're that keen to meet and discuss the size of your woofers and tweeters, or tyres, or exhausts, why don't you form a club, buy your own land and meet there. Then there would be no need for the police, on MY tax dollar, keeping an eye on you. And the general public wouldn't feel intimidated popping to Tescos for a pint of milk.

I'd like Andy to explain to me exactly what part of Insp. Adams' he finds "strange" and/or "worrying". Is it the fact he is concerned about previous incidents where people have been injured? Or is where he says the police "will take all possible action against anyone driving dangerously"? Or maybe it's that the police will provide "a visible presence ensuring anybody in the area has a safe and legal evening". Yeah, Andy, that's really sinister...the police wanting people to act safely and within the law, what an absolute shocker.

I think you'll find the currency in the United Kingdom is the pound.

Yeah thanks for clearing that up, I clearly had no idea that the money in my purse is £ not $. Clearly you are far more intellectual than me, congrats! Have you any comment to make on the actual issue that is being discussed here?

I-say-you-say wrote:
@SaveourStanford - I find your comments demeaning, rude, offensive and down right disrespectful! How dare you call us bum chums and accuse us of putting cheap halford bolt ons on our cars etc when you don't even know us nor what we actually do and pay for with our cars! If those comments along with the foul language and your misconception that you driving a merc makes you so much better than those of us who drive modified cars are your only arguament in this situation, clearly you have no idea what you're talking about and therefore I would suggest that you prevent further embarrassment to yourself by not commenting any further.

@I-say-you-say
I am only talking from i witnessed when i popped into a KFC when a large gathering of what was 20ish year olds swearing and giving it large attitude with the bonnet n' boot open revving the engine with some sort of boom ? cant call it music just a Din 5 cars lined up a Focus, Clio, Fiesta, Saxo & Astra! All cars designed by engineers at top comapanies to handle in a paiticular way then along comes Billy with 2 years experiance of driving adding some modifactions and making the car look silly with stickers, loud exaust like its blowing, some 2nd hand wheels & barley legal tyres wanting to impress a girl. How do you actualy get insurance to drive in such a messy heap! You explain to me what the fasination is in ??

If that is the case then I would prefer you make it clear that "from your one experience after popping into KFC" that is your thoughts and not tar us all with the same derogatory brush.

I have 11 years driving experience, a clean license, my car is modified without any illegalities. The fascination with me has always been in the cars, even my Dad used to "modify" his vehicles when he was younger. Like I said previously, as you have made it clear yourself by asking what the fascination is, you clearly do not have any idea what you are talking about (again only basing it on your one admittedly bad experience) and there is no reason for you to use the language or defamatory comments you did.

Built not Bought.

Using minimal funds to re-engineer and adapt a vehicle far beyond it's original design parameters whilst ensuring safety is not compromised (MOT certification as a minimum standard) is a challenge and quintessentially what defines the English as an adaptive, industrious and progressive nation of engineers.

Furthermore, as car enthusiasts, we certainly pay our fair share in VAT and that is just from a fuel perspective, I think the policing is more than paid for. We have a legal right to freedom of association and public assembly.

I'd also like to add that the bigoted, ignorant prejudices of some commentators only goes to highlight their inability to engage in constructive debate.

The sexuality of a car enthusiast should neither define them as a human being or pigeon hole them. No doubt these same contributors will show their ugly ignorance again in response but that is the prerogative of a bitter keyboard warrior.

grays_mum wrote:
I've had the misfortune of being in Tesco Lakeside's car park when a group of - I don't know what to call them - kids with cars has met there. They rev their engines and play the most godawful music (although I use music in the loosest possible sense) very loudly. They're a bloody nuisance.

To all of you saying "why shouldn't we" I'll throw this back at you - why SHOULD you? If you're that keen to meet and discuss the size of your woofers and tweeters, or tyres, or exhausts, why don't you form a club, buy your own land and meet there. Then there would be no need for the police, on MY tax dollar, keeping an eye on you. And the general public wouldn't feel intimidated popping to Tescos for a pint of milk.

I'd like Andy to explain to me exactly what part of Insp. Adams' he finds "strange" and/or "worrying". Is it the fact he is concerned about previous incidents where people have been injured? Or is where he says the police "will take all possible action against anyone driving dangerously"? Or maybe it's that the police will provide "a visible presence ensuring anybody in the area has a safe and legal evening". Yeah, Andy, that's really sinister...the police wanting people to act safely and within the law, what an absolute shocker.

Where is the evidence that the gathering was going to turn into a crime ridden free for all ?

The police are just taking a large group of people (in this people with customised cars) and implying that they are ALL crimianls and any meetings should be banned, without disclosing a particular reason.

Now you may not like their music but listening to crap music isnt a crime yet.

As for them 'buying their own land' , are you serious ?. Plus they could well argue that public roads are just that, public, paid for by you and i out of general taxation.

Maybe you will now list all the so called previous incidents that have resulted in injuries ?

I am not against Police taking action against crimes or dangerous driving but they are somewhat jumping the gun a bit !

The police are not just going to provide a safe and legal eveing, the very first paragraph of the story is "crusisers, don't bother turning up" not "anyone thinking of commiting a crime, dont bother turning up", there is a big difference.

Andy

I drove to lakeside Saturday night and thought it was fine. You always will get the cars that the modifications make you cringe but as long as driven carefully what is the problem. I'm not a boy racer I drive an Audi A6 diesel avant and a V8 7 series plus many new bmw,s from the dealer I work at (not what I would call BOY racers cars by any stretch) I'm 25 so not a boy but I still enjoy a drive over to lakeside to have a look at what people are getting up to. (car wise). As with anything there will always be an irresponsible few who cause trouble ie hooligans at football matches. Why stereotype everyone who goes to this ????

personally i have no problems with large crowds of youngsters admiring each others cars,what i do object to is being kept awake until 2.30 am when they turn west thurrock into a race track.

Stevej1986 wrote:
I drove to lakeside Saturday night and thought it was fine. You always will get the cars that the modifications make you cringe but as long as driven carefully what is the problem. I'm not a boy racer I drive an Audi A6 diesel avant and a V8 7 series plus many new bmw,s from the dealer I work at (not what I would call BOY racers cars by any stretch) I'm 25 so not a boy but I still enjoy a drive over to lakeside to have a look at what people are getting up to. (car wise). As with anything there will always be an irresponsible few who cause trouble ie hooligans at football matches. Why stereotype everyone who goes to this ????

Nice to hear a comment from someone who actually went along. Glad you enjoyed it. Obviously not as bad as some would have us believe. I've never been to such a meet myself but I can see the attraction.

Why are people so IGNORANT. No wonder this country is going so BACKWARDS.

I have been into cars all my life. I have a modified weekend car, and a daily as well. I belong to several car clubs, predominantly Japanese but local ones too.

I am in my 30s, have a mortgage, a wife and a child. Last time I checked, England was about engineering. Do you know what modifying is all about? That's right - engineering and expressing one's ideas. Go to any custom work shop - there are many celebrated engineers out there who love to be creative - OK, some spoilers etc are hideous but we all did it until we hang out with the grown ups who steered us in the right direction. We learned to save, and built our cars properly.

Majority of modified car owners are a lot more safer, efficient and better maintained that that run of the mill rubbish that the EU is forcing down our throats. We park sensibly out of harms way and understand our cars.

Many of us are nerds/geeks but we all have other interests such as photography, cycling, family life etc.

Yes, there are a few idiots in 2 categories - those that just cannot be helped (Police can deal with them), and those that just need guidance from the older crowd.

These modified car owners do A LOT more for the local economy - McDonalds, Burger King, Tesco Late Night, Fuel and the local burger bars.

Let's not forget the local tuning shops, mechanics, body shops - and running second cars.

Let's educate and stop hating. You ignorant haters really **** me off and the Police are equally as stupid. Trying to intimidate us into speeding so they can pull us over for a cheeky ticket.

Please get to understand us, embrace us and we will in turn welcome you into our world.

Funny thing is some of the moaners are retired engineers, physicists etc that could even teach us a thing or two - but we will not listen to you with that attitude.

Now attack me all you like.

Peace!

BB8H22A5 wrote:
Why are people so IGNORANT. No wonder this country is going so BACKWARDS.

I have been into cars all my life. I have a modified weekend car, and a daily as well. I belong to several car clubs, predominantly Japanese but local ones too.

I am in my 30s, have a mortgage, a wife and a child. Last time I checked, England was about engineering. Do you know what modifying is all about? That's right - engineering and expressing one's ideas. Go to any custom work shop - there are many celebrated engineers out there who love to be creative - OK, some spoilers etc are hideous but we all did it until we hang out with the grown ups who steered us in the right direction. We learned to save, and built our cars properly.

Majority of modified car owners are a lot more safer, efficient and better maintained that that run of the mill rubbish that the EU is forcing down our throats. We park sensibly out of harms way and understand our cars.

Many of us are nerds/geeks but we all have other interests such as photography, cycling, family life etc.

Yes, there are a few idiots in 2 categories - those that just cannot be helped (Police can deal with them), and those that just need guidance from the older crowd.

These modified car owners do A LOT more for the local economy - McDonalds, Burger King, Tesco Late Night, Fuel and the local burger bars.

Let's not forget the local tuning shops, mechanics, body shops - and running second cars.

Let's educate and stop hating. You ignorant haters really **** me off and the Police are equally as stupid. Trying to intimidate us into speeding so they can pull us over for a cheeky ticket.

Please get to understand us, embrace us and we will in turn welcome you into our world.

Funny thing is some of the moaners are retired engineers, physicists etc that could even teach us a thing or two - but we will not listen to you with that attitude.

Now attack me all you like.

Peace!

Do you have an open marriage or do you keep this cruising activity secret from your wife?

Andy:

"The police are just taking a large group of people (in this people with customised cars) and implying that they are ALL crimianls and any meetings should be banned, without disclosing a particular reason."
Insp. Adams says that previous events have caused people to suffer injury, or loss of life. That looks like a pretty good reason to me.

You say "Now you may not like their music but listening to crap music isnt a crime yet." Maybe not, but why force ME to listen to it? I have the right to go about my business without being subjected to noise pollution.

You say: "As for them 'buying their own land' , are you serious ?. Plus they could well argue that public roads are just that, public, paid for by you and i out of general taxation."
Actually yes I am serious. Public roads are paid for out of taxation to be used by drivers to get from one point to another. I don't believe the intention is for the roads to be used as an exhibition space.

You say: "Maybe you will now list all the so called previous incidents that have resulted in injuries ?" It's not me who said it, it's Insp. Adams. Maybe you should ask him. I am prepared to take him at his word. Unless you have evidence to the contrary. Are you calling him a liar?

You say: "I am not against Police taking action against crimes or dangerous driving but they are somewhat jumping the gun a bit !" They are pre-empting a situation. I think it's admirable.

Well if road tax is paid and no car park rules or road laws are being broken why can't people stop to to discuss cars or meet up to have a chat and even show off if that makes the individual happy. Where does it say roads are just to get from one point to another. Just because some people don't like it doesent mean they can bully other people into submission.

Stevej1986 wrote:
Well if road tax is paid and no car park rules or road laws are being broken why can't people stop to to discuss cars or meet up to have a chat and even show off if that makes the individual happy. Where does it say roads are just to get from one point to another. Just because some people don't like it doesent mean they can bully other people into submission.

Agree 100% it's wrong to impose draconian rules in the name of public order, based on what might happen. Thats a slippery slope. Let them meet up at an out of the way location where nobody can be upset.

EthanEdwards wrote:

Stevej1986 wrote: Well if road tax is paid and no car park rules or road laws are being broken why can't people stop to to discuss cars or meet up to have a chat and even show off if that makes the individual happy. Where does it say roads are just to get from one point to another. Just because some people don't like it doesent mean they can bully other people into submission.

Agree 100% it's wrong to impose draconian rules in the name of public order, based on what might happen. Thats a slippery slope. Let them meet up at an out of the way location where nobody can be upset.

Most meets take place on private land, for example, car parks.

Should the land owner wish, they can eject the occupants but they don't ever seem to.

Freedom of assembly is a right, not a privelage.

these car meets are for people who like to talk about there cars and what they have done to their car or to look at other cars ( like a car show ) yes you get the little knobs who do there burnouts in a 1.1 corsa because there 17 and don't know what a car cruise/meet is most people commenting on here about there family shouldn't be there most of the stupid people who do race do it late what are you doing out with your kids when they should be in bed. and most of you who comment on this subject, im sure you go out drinking stumble home **** on the street swear your mouths off have fights and arguments and just destroy your body with alchahol and drugs but thats ok is it imagine the kids that are trying to sleep in bed when you swear and argue outside there house.and most of you get drunk infront of your kids ( BAD PARENTING ) we just meet in our cars and talk. i think some of you should look at yourselves and what you do rather than judge people. i bet more people die from drug and alchahol abuse than boy racers having a stupid race up a 3 lane road.