Drivers attending 'car cruising' events on a relief road could soon be fined for just turning up as the police and council look to stamp out the issue.
It was said some motorists were using an industrial estate and a relief road in Castle Donington as a 'race-track', which had become a nuisance for residents nearby.
Leicestershire Police dealt with more than 20 drivers towards the end of last year who had congregated in the area on and around the 2.4km relief road.
Now the force could be granted new powers to fine those who simply attend any of the activities, LeicestershireLive reports.
Officers have only been able to take action against people who break the law with their driving or who have cars that are not roadworthy, however, a proposed public space protection order would have the effect of banning the events with anyone turning up liable to get a fixed penalty notice.
Castle Donington parish councillor, Tony Saffell, said: “These meetings happen pretty much the same time of the week regularly and we are not talking about about a dozen cars - it can be 50 to 100.
“They use the new relief road to race between the islands.
“It’s loud, it's annoying and it's dangerous.
“The police do what they can and deal with any breaking of the law but what the order would do is allow them to fine anyone who comes.
“That’s the deterrent.
“It could be the best way of stopping people turning up.”
North West Leicestershire District Council would have to approve the order and is seeking residents' views on it.
A council spokesman added: “Recently there has been an increase in the amount of ‘Car Cruising’ activity in the village of Castle Donington that is causing considerable disturbance to local residents and businesses.
“The council and the police have been monitoring the situation and the police have carried out several operations in the area to which they have discovered the extent of the problem.
“This work has led to the decision to consult with local residents, businesses and any other interested party to consider the need for a Public Space Protection Order to prevent ongoing issues.
“Unfortunately, the behaviours of these individuals are not only causing considerable noise disturbance, environmental damage and disruption to business premises it is also considered extremely dangerous to anyone in the area at the time.”
