FOR the second weekend running a dispersal order has been put in place in West Thurrock by police following concerns about a car cruise event.

The order, which covers the areas shown in the map, is in place from 2pm on Saturday, 12 April and will remain in force until 2am on Monday, 14 April. 

An Essex Police statement says: "We've the decision to put the order in place after receiving information to suggest that vehicles from a car cruise event are likely to attend the Lakeside area. 

"The order gives officers the powers to direct people suspected of being involved in this activity to leave the area or face arrest, and not return to the area for 48 hours."

Inspector Daniel Selby, of the Thurrock Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "I want everyone to enjoy Thurrock and Lakeside safely. Most of the public are law-abiding, and while car enthusiasts often gather in towns across Essex without incident, there have been occasions of street racing and burnouts. 

"We will not tolerate any form of anti-social behaviour. If you are causing disruption due to your driving, you will be dealt with. My team will be in the area to enforce the rules of the road and uphold the message of this post."

"There have been occasions when our officers have been forced to take enforcement action when drivers have put other road users and spectators in danger.

"When there is racing, drivers performing burnouts or doughnuts, excessive engine noise leading to complaints, or roads being blocked off, our officers have no choice but to act.

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"We understand people love their cars but that cannot be at the expense of people's safety or local residents' quality of life."

In 2023, a spectator was knocked over by a driver racing in Thurrock, and spectators have been killed at car meets in other parts of country.

In the first three months of 2025 there have been more than 250 reports of nuisance vehicles into Essex Police, many related to car cruise events and anti-social driving.