15-03-2025
Warning to drivers in Alderley Edge as police say 'we will take action'
A dispersal order is in force this weekend in Alderley Edge as police look to crack down on anti-social drivers causing a nuisance.
Cheshire Police said the order, which gives officers the power to force people to leave an area if they are engaging in anti-social behaviour, will remain in place until 10pm tomorrow (Sunday).
It comes as an organised 'drive day' takes place in Alderley Edge today (Saturday). The TurboTribe group posted on social media ahead of the event to say its organisers are in communication with police to 'make sure the event is safe and fun for everyone'.
It is not suggested the event is illegal. Police insist the dispersal order is 'not aimed at people meeting in their cars peacefully'.
TurboTribe organisers posted on Instagram: "A dispersal order is in place in Alderley Edge. This is does not entirely effect [sic] our event, the police will be present and have powers to disperse individuals with anti-social behaviour, this includes - excessive revving by individuals - excessive revving by group of cars.
"This does not include - photographers by roadside - visitors of event - driving in convoys safely. The police are focused on racing down the A34 which is not part of our event, however individuals racing could be observed by the police so please be aware of your driving."
The dispersal order runs through the village from the A34 roundabout to the north, down London Road through the heart of Alderley Edge, and past the junction with Macclesfield Road to the south. It also covers side streets off London Road and parts of Alderley Road, Chorley Hall Lane, Congleton Road, Macclesfield Road, Ryleys Lane and the A34.
Cheshire Police said it has issued the order following multiple reports of offences being committed on the A34 over the last few weeks, as well as several social media messages about a car meet planned in the area this weekend.
Chief Inspector Zoe Bowden, head of Macclesfield Local Policing Unit, said: "I understand the frustration and anger that illegal car meets cause, and I hope that this dispersal order will provide reassurance to local residents by demonstrating that we are taking action. This is an ongoing problem in the local area, and I want to reassure residents that we are committed doing all we can to tackle the issue.
"We have a zero-tolerance approach to those who break the law, and I want to make it clear that action will be taken against anyone who breaches the dispersal order this weekend.
"This could include vehicle seizures, penalty notices, notifying insurance companies, or arrest and prosecution where necessary."
The dispersal order came into force at 10am today and runs until 10pm on Sunday, March 16. Cheshire Police said previous car meets in the Wilmslow and Alderley Edge area have attracted hundreds of people on occasions, including people in high powered motor vehicles driving dangerously.
The force said drivers often also cause excessive noise and anti-social behaviour during such events, all of which have caused alarm and distress to residents.
Chf Insp Bowden added: "This order is not aimed at people meeting in their cars peacefully, simply those disrupting local communities and acting in an anti-social manner. Our message is clear - anti-social behaviour and anti-social use of vehicles will not be tolerated."
The force warned that any criminal offences being committed in the area 'will be dealt with robustly both during and post event'.
