Police issue dispersal order in anticipation of car meet

Following intelligence about a planned unauthorised car meet this weekend, police have been granted additional authority. Essex Police announced that a dispersal order would be active throughout Braintree and Witham, encompassing also parts of the A12, A120, and A131 highways adjacent to these towns. This order is scheduled to be in effect from 18:00 on Friday until 06:00 GMT on Sunday. Its stated purpose is to safeguard communities against disruptive drivers. Inspector Phil Jackson commented that the measure aims to allow “people to go about their daily lives” while specifically addressing “those planning to use our roads inappropriately.” He further stated, “We will not tolerate dangerous driving in any part of the Braintree district or Essex more widely, and our officers will be out in the community this weekend to enforce road traffic legislation and detect any offences that may take place.” Essex Police reiterated that the order’s intent is to shield the local populace from potentially reckless or dangerous driving, in addition to preventing further antisocial conduct by certain drivers participating in these unlicensed gatherings. Separately, a dispersal order was also implemented in Harlow when police addressed a car meet. That particular order commenced at 00:01 and concluded at 06:00 on Saturday.