Police crackdown on ‘reckless’ driving on popular Leeds United matchday route near Elland Road

Police have launched a strict new policy against people who have been spotted driving at excessive speeds near Elland Road.

There have been several reports in recent months of car owners driving recklessly, repeatedly revving their engines and blaring out loud music on Lowfields Road in Holbeck during unlicenced ‘car meets’.

The activity has led to an increase of litter in the area, while incidents of drug taking have also been reported.

Thousands of Leeds United fans use the route, off Gelderd Road, as a way to get to and from the stadium on foot on matchdays, with Elland Road crowds regularly topping 30,000 in recent months

West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council say they have been left with no choice but to implement special powers to limit the antisocial behaviour by drivers on Lowfields Road, which lies in the shadow of Elland Road.

The Premises Closure Order is the first of its kind to be put in place in Leeds and will give police greater powers to prevent the unlicensed ‘car meet’ events.

What does it mean for offenders?

Lowfields Road will remain open at all times to pedestrians and drivers, who will not be affected by the Premises Closure Order.

Police will now be able to take immediate action against those conducting in antisocial behaviour though, and can even arrest people who refuse to stop and move on.

It comes following a court ruling, with police given greater powers for three months.

‘People driving at high speeds and the playing of loud music are both completely unacceptable’

Cllr Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member with responsibility for Safer Leeds, said: “These events are not licensed and have previously attracted a range of antisocial behaviour, from people driving at high speeds which is reckless and extremely dangerous, to the playing of loud music and drug taking that are both completely unacceptable.

“It is for these reasons why we have taken this action, because we simply will not compromise in ensuring that our residents and communities are kept safe and do not have to experience these types of issues.”

https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/leeds-united-elland-road-police-16837794