Car meets The hobby that petrolheads love but locals loathe

Elmers End residents in southeast London are taking action against persistent disturbances from illegal car racing held in a Tesco parking lot. A night-time barrier is set to be installed in response to years of complaints about noise and safety risks posed by these gatherings. Local accounts describe the chaos of car meets, with one resident noting that the noise and reckless driving have made the area feel unsafe. Authorities have occasionally intervened, but residents feel that more consistent measures are necessary to combat the problem. The Metropolitan Police has increased efforts to regulate illegal racing throughout London, recently seizing over 60 luxury vehicles linked to such activities.

Local councils are also exploring legal avenues to ban car meets in problematic areas. Despite these initiatives, some enthusiasts worry that relocating these events may simply push the issue to other neighborhoods. The situation reflects a broader struggle to balance community safety with the interests of car enthusiasts.