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.”

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