'Our car meets are not full of anti-social drivers'

The organisers of a Sheffield meet for car enthusiasts have refuted claims that there was "anti-social behaviour" at a recent event after South Yorkshire Police dealt with numerous traffic offences.

The force said officers spent three hours at the Unity Car Show gathering at Meadowhall retail park on Monday evening.

Multiple warnings were handed out to drivers and one was found to be under the influence of drugs, but organisers said the meet was "family-friendly" and that they were being associated with behaviour that was not linked to Unity.

A spokesperson, who did not want to be named, said: "We are a two-hour event and in that car park is all that we can surely be responsible for."

According to South Yorkshire Police, 15 drivers received Traffic Offence Reports and eight received warnings for driving in an anti-social manner. One driver was found to be under the influence of drugs behind the wheel, uninsured and driving without a licence.

They were stopped as they exited the car park after being unable to park because the event had reached capacity.

Unity Car Show's Sheffield events are held on the first Monday of every month and organisers said they were about "bringing people together, looking at some cool cars and taking photos".

The spokesperson added: "You do get people sometimes that turn up and they may be revving or people that try and drive around too fast and we do what we can to tell them to stop."

Unity's spokesperson said organisers welcomed police intervention when there were issues, but that they "do not recognise" the police's version of events.

"I think the police are associating us with some other kind of anti-social behaviour that has got nothing to do with us.

"If you find somebody racing outside on the streets, why does that associate with us?"

South Yorkshire Police have said they are willing to meet with the organisers, something Unity Car Show are open to as well.

"I would be more than happy for them to bring a couple of big traffic cars down and talk to people. Why are they not taking this opportunity as a chance for community outreach?"

Unity said they were clear about their event rules and hand out flyers and stickers at their meets asking people to respect them. These rules include "park up and chill", "no anti-social behaviour" and "do not abuse police if they arrive".

Sgt Martyn Micklethwaite from the roads policing unit said: "Throughout the evening it was apparent that these drivers who attend meets are not always car enthusiasts, they are opportunists who want to show off in front of crowds in poorly maintained vehicles.

"Four vehicles were seized from drivers who have already had previous warnings about their driving manner. With no regard for changing their behaviour, we took their cars.

"Safety isn't about stopping people having fun, it's about ensuring everyone gets home in one piece.

"We are willing to work with organisers of meets, but anti-social and dangerous gatherings will not be tolerated.

"When one person takes a risk, everyone around them carries the consequences. Do your part and think ahead."

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