Westminster Council Faces Criticism Over Delayed Action on Illegal Car Meets
A Westminster City councillor has launched a scathing critique of the local authority, accusing it of failing to protect residents and visitors from the dangers posed by illegal car meets and street racing activities. Conservative councillor Rachael Robathan, representing Knightsbridge and Belgravia and a former council leader, claims the Labour administration has "completely failed" to implement crucial safety measures despite her persistent advocacy spanning more than a year.
Specific Demands for Enhanced Safety Measures
Cllr Robathan is urgently calling for two primary interventions to combat the ongoing nuisance. First, she demands the resurfacing of the roundabout at the top of Exhibition Road, located on the border with Kensington and Chelsea, with a high-friction surface treatment. This modification would significantly deter racing and stunt driving by making such maneuvers more difficult and hazardous for participants.
Second, she advocates for the council to apply for a borough-wide injunction, similar to one successfully secured by Enfield Council in North London last year. Such an injunction would empower authorities with stronger enforcement capabilities against individuals participating in these disruptive gatherings.
Council's Response and Current Efforts
In response to these allegations, a Westminster City Council spokesperson emphasized their "zero-tolerance approach" towards antisocial driving. The council highlights existing enforcement measures, including Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) that permit the issuance of £100 fines in several locations, including Exhibition Road. Additionally, they report collaborative efforts with the Metropolitan Police and neighbouring boroughs, resulting in 356 Fixed Penalty Notices for nuisance driving this financial year, with 54 specifically on Exhibition Road.
Regarding the proposed high-friction surface, the council confirms that work with Kensington and Chelsea Council is underway, with installation scheduled for April, contingent on warm weather conditions. They also state that evidence is being collated to support an application for a borough-wide injunction, though they note this ultimately requires a court decision.
Frustration Over Perceived Inaction
Despite these assurances, Cllr Robathan expresses profound frustration, alleging that progress has stalled on both fronts. She references a meeting held in January 2025 at City Hall, attended by key council officers, where an agreement was reached to proceed with the high-friction surface. A quote for the work was obtained, but she claims no subsequent advancements have been made.
Similarly, she asserts that impact statements collected with police assistance to bolster the injunction application were submitted to legal teams last September, yet no discernible progress has followed. "What on Earth is going on and why aren't we doing this?" she questioned, adding, "They say they are working to make our streets safer, and nothing is happening."
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
Illegal car meets, where large groups congregate to showcase vehicles and perform stunts, have plagued parts of Westminster for years. While the council introduced PSPOs in various locations and a new order for Soho and Mayfair last year under the Labour administration, Cllr Robathan argues these measures are insufficient. She insists that more robust, long-term solutions are imperative to ensure public safety and curb the menace effectively.
The council spokesperson noted a decrease in reported car meets this year but reaffirmed their commitment to utilizing all available tools to clamp down on the issue and maintain road safety across the city.
