Armed police called in after illegal car meet near M1 triggers Yorkshire road closure and driver sanctions

On Sunday (Feb 23), South Yorkshire Police received reports about cars racing on the Dearne Valley Parkway.

Officers from the Roads Policing Group (RPG) were sent and found the group close to the M1.

Armed police officers were called in, alongside dog handlers, and a road closure was put in place in both directions on Grange Mill Lane.

This was to contain those involved in the illegal meet and allowed other road users to continue their journey with a reduced risk, police said.

Almost 60 vehicles were checked and eight drivers received a traffic offence report.

One driver was reported on summons, one driver had their vehicle seized for having no insurance and seven drivers received a warning.

This means if they are caught while involved in any anti-social driving in the next 12 months, their vehicle will be immediately seized.

Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: “We understand that groups in our communities have a passion for vehicles and showcasing them, but we have a zero-tolerance approach to those who pose a risk and cause distress to residents.

“The majority of those involved in yesterday’s meet were not from South Yorkshire and had travelled distance to blight our communities and pose a risk on our roads.

“We continue to express our invitation for organisers of car meets to work alongside us to ensure they can enjoy meeting, without the wider impact on the public.”