Police given special measures as huge car meet planned for Essex city this weekend

A dispersal order has been put in place in Southend following concerns due to a number car cruising and meet events this weekend. Police brought in the order on Friday (August 25) after the force received reports about the large car meet which has been planned at the seafront area over the weekend.

Areas of the seafront including Eastern Esplanade, Marine Parade, Western Esplanade, The Leas, and Chalkwell Esplanade will be affected by the order till midnight on Monday evening (August 28). This means police have additional powers to break up groups or anyone acting antisocially to leave the area.

Anyone who fails to follow the order may face being arrested. PS James Mint, of Southend Community Policing Team, said: “The August bank holiday weekend is traditionally the busiest weekend of the year for the seafront.

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“Previous cruises have seen an increase in vehicle-related anti-social behaviour, and with an increased number of visitors to the seafront we want to ensure everyone can enjoy Southend safely and without concerns. We know residents, businesses and visitors to Southend want to see us getting ahead of any anti-social behaviour and tackling issues head-on before they arise.

“Those showing cars in a peaceful and legal manner will not be affected by the dispersal order and can continue as normal.”