Driver Fined Nearly £300 After Car "Burn-Outs" In Eastbourne

Tuesday, 5 January 2021 10:48

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Hawthorn Industrial Estate, Eastbourne (Map: © contributors to Open Street Map / Creative Commons)

A car-driver has been fined £284 and had six penalty points put on his licence, in connection with anti-social driving during "car meets" on an industrial estate in Eastbourne.

The motorist, who police haven't named, was punished after he was successfully prosecuted for driving without insurance and for not adhering to the conditions of a provisional licence holder.

A court brought the penalties after police responded to reports of drivers doing tyre burn-outs and "donuts" on the Hawthorn Industrial Estate, damaging the road surface.

On one occasion, a business premises had its window smashed from grit thrown up from the car park while a vehicle was doing a tyre burn out.

Officers added that the area was often left with considerable litter, and the matter was causing concern for many people working in the vicinity.

Police responding to the matter used CCTV footage to identify a number of key offenders, who were then interviewed.

Three warnings were issued under Section 59 of the Road Traffic Act for drivers reported to have used their vehicle "in a manner which causes alarm, distress or annoyance".

A Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme ticket was issued, as well as a Traffic Offence Report for careless driving.

PCSO Julian Williams, of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“The anti-social driving in Hawthorn Industrial Estate was becoming a real issue for business owners and workers in the area.

“Not only was it causing emotional distress, but there were also financial implications from repairing the damage caused by these motorists.

“We responded effectively to their concerns, and engaged with drivers to highlight the importance of safe and considerate behaviour when they’re driving.

“The problem arose in the summer, and the case went before the court in late December.

"We’re pleased to say as a result of this conviction and our other enforcement action, the area is no longer affected by persistent anti-social driving.

“This is just part of our response to anti-social driving across Eastbourne, and we will continue to address any inconsiderate behaviour.”

More from Sussex News

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery And Groundwork South Launch Project For Ore Residents

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery will be embarking on a new project with Groundwork South to bring the museum’s collection to communities in Ore.
Company Director Prosecuted For Breaching Fire Safety Regulations

A company director has been sentenced after pleading guilty to breaching fire safety regulations at a high-rise residential building in Worthing.
Iconic Ashdown Forest To Host Special Walk For National 'Dogs In Yellow Day'

A SPECIAL Walk is taking place in the iconic Ashdown Forest on Thursday as part of the national 'Dogs in Yellow Day.'
Multi-Million-Pound Scheme To Boost West Sussex Water Quality Complete

Nearly £4m of work to help improve water quality and protect the environment in a West Sussex village has been completed.
County Council Supports NHS England Breast Screening Campaign To Help Detect Cancers Earlier

West Sussex County Council is supporting a major NHS England breast screening campaign, which aims to detect thousands of cancers earlier by highlighting the benefits of screening and encouraging more people to make the most of regular mammograms.
Chichester District Council Give Approval For 30 New Homes In Earnley

The layout and appearance of 30 new homes in Earnley have been approved by Chichester District Council.
Brighton Seafront Champion Spells Out Concerns About Board

A champion of the seafront has raised concerns that a new group being set up by Brighton and Hove City Council has set the bar too high.
Sussex Law Firm Partners With Dare To Dream To Inspire Young People

Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter has partnered with the Dare to Dream initiative – delivered by the Love Local Jobs Foundation – to help young people build confidence, ambition and self-belief.
Life Sentence For Man Who Drugged And Raped Women And Girls

Shane ‘Blue’ Gibbs, who drugged and raped multiple women and girls across Sussex, has been given a life sentence.
Eastbourne Council Helps Students Build Bright Careers

Students from East Sussex College Group have been getting hands-on work experience while delivering improvements for the local community, thanks to a collaboration with Eastbourne Borough Council and Mears, the council's maintenance contractor.