Crackdown on Anti-Social Driving in Netley Abbey and Weston Shore

Police in Southampton have launched a targeted operation to crack down on anti-social driving in the Netley Abbey and Weston Shore areas, following a sharp rise in reports from concerned residents.

According to Hampshire Constabulary’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, some drivers have been using residential streets to drive at dangerously high speeds, rev loud exhausts, and engage in other reckless behaviour – often late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

Police say this behaviour is putting lives at risk and leaving residents distressed and sleep-deprived.

With the support of the community and local authorities, Hampshire Constabulary has launched a dedicated operation to identify offenders and enforce road traffic laws. Officers are appealing to residents for video footage, dashcam clips, or photographs showing anti-social or dangerous driving. This kind of evidence enables enforcement action under existing legislation.

• It is not illegal to film or take photos in public spaces for the purpose of reporting crime.
• Consent is not required when documenting this type of behaviour.

Reports and footage can be submitted online via the Hampshire Police website.

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Offenders Face Vehicle Seizure and Prosecution

Police have issued a strong warning to those taking part in anti-social driving.

Drivers caught engaging in this behaviour risk having their vehicles seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. In more serious cases, offenders could face:
• Court appearances
• Penalty points
• Heavy fines
• Driving disqualifications
• Dramatically increased insurance premiums

If you drive carelessly, dangerously, or with disregard for others, you could lose your licence or end up in court. It’s not just your life at risk – it’s your passengers’ and innocent bystanders’ too.

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Voices from the Community

Residents of Netley Abbey have issued their own emotional appeal to those responsible, describing how the issue is impacting daily life.

“We know not everyone behind the wheel is out to cause harm. But right now, lives are being put at risk.

“What might feel like fun, freedom, or just showing off for a moment is terrifying for the people who live here. Residents lie awake at night, wondering if the next screech of tyres will end in tragedy and this is distressing. Alongside a lack of sleep in the summer months due to the noise of modified engines, this behaviour is causing real distress and the community is feeling abused by people who appear to have nothing but contempt for them.

This isn’t harmless.

“It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt – or worse. That ‘someone’ could be your neighbour… or it could be you or your mates. The two outcomes are you kill yourself and your passengers or you go to prison for a very long time if you kill or injure someone else.

“We’ve asked the police to step up patrols and enforcement in this area and will assist them to do so in any way we can as a community. Stop putting others at risk.”

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How to Help

If you witness dangerous or anti-social driving, you are urged to:
• Record footage or take photographs (when safe to do so)
• Report incidents online via the Hampshire Police website
• Encourage neighbours and friends to do the same

All reports will be reviewed and may lead to direct enforcement action.

This renewed crackdown sends a clear message:

Anti-social driving will not be tolerated in Netley Abbey or Weston Shore.