Nuisance drivers in souped-up cars from outside Kent regularly descend on the county for illegal drag racing.

Reports to emergency call handlers allege up to 100 people attend the car meets, causing noise pollution, damage, unpleasant smells, and road blockages while driving dangerously, often without appropriate insurance.

Courtesy Kent Police

Police say modified car drivers have been entering West Kent from neighbouring counties to participate in illegal driving activities.

Complaints about nuisance driving in Sevenoaks, New Hythe Lane, Larkfield, the A228 near East Peckham, and Hewitt’s Roundabout near Orpington, have all increased over recent months.

Officers' footage shows vehicles drifting dangerously in car parks, with one video showing what appears to be a car meet in the dead of night.

In January 2024, patrols attended Bradbourne Park Road car park, Sevenoaks, where six people were issued traffic offence reports (TORs) for anti-social and dangerous driving offences.

On Thursday, June 20 2024, at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court, the offenders were told to pay fines of up to £293, with one driver receiving five points on their driving licence during proceedings at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.

Police Sergeant Nick Bottle, of the Sevenoaks local policing team, said:“West Kent residents have reported concerns about the dangers nuisance drivers pose to other road users and the impact on the quality of life of the community.

“As well as driving dangerously, those involved cause noise pollution, leave tyre skid marks on the roads, and fill the air with the toxic smell of fuel fumes and burning rubber.

“These issues are becoming more frustrating for locals who feel forced to shut windows on hot summer nights to avoid being disturbed.

“Our officers remain vigilant for offenders. Anyone caught committing these offences will be challenged, and risk being issued with a traffic offence report, being arrested, having their vehicles seized.”