The Liberal Democrats have called on Surrey Police to provide extra resources to address the increasing problems caused by visitors to our beauty spots during the lockdown and by the excessive noise emitted from vehicle exhausts on our local roads.

The call came after large crowds – which left substantial quantities of litter and other waste – gathered at our beauty spots, dangerous parking occurred on local roads, noisy vehicles continually roared along our roads, and after the A24 near Denbies was used as a car meet for two weekends running with little police interference.

We have asked the Police to use the powers they have under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to issue dispersal orders to disperse any groups likely to cause harassment, harm or distress by their actions – with anyone dispersed and who returns to the area within 48 hours being liable to arrest and prosecution – and under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 where warnings can be given to drivers of vehicles which are driven carelessly or inconsiderately – with a repeat offence within 12 months allowing the police to seize and crush the vehicle.