A DISPERSAL order has been put in place for the second consecutive weekend in Chelmsford in an attempt to stop a car cruising event. 

It will run from 6pm today until 6am on Sunday, November 11 and follows concerns there may be anti-social behaviour, including loud music and dangerous and erratic driving.

The dispersal order will apply to areas between New Nabbotts Way and around the A138 including industrial parks; Chelmer Village; the city centre; and areas around the Riverside Retail Park and Anglia Ruskin University campus.

It gives officers the power to order people causing anti-social behaviour to leave these areas.

It is a criminal offence to breach a direction given under a dispersal order and in the worst cases this can result in a criminal conviction punishable by up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000.

Inspector Barry Booth, of the Chelmsford and Maldon Community Policing Team, said: “We’re putting the dispersal order in place because residents have raised concerns about the erratic driving, noise, large crowds and anti-social behaviour at previous meets.

“They also reported drivers racing on public roads, which poses a significant risk to the safety of drivers, spectators and members of the public.

“We will be patrolling the area to address any issues that arise and we encourage residents to report any issues to us as soon as possible.”