When new measures come into effect, anyone violating the rules could be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000

Antisocial driving at a park and ride site in Cambridge has made “people feel unsafe”, according to a councillor. A total of 22 separate incidents were recorded at Babraham Road Park and Ride between April 2024 and mid-January this year.

Babraham Road Park and Ride, between Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, is facing ongoing issues of inconsiderate vehicle use, dangerous driving behaviour and vehicle stunts, as well as playing loud music, according to South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council. Many of these issues are said to happen in the evening or late at night, and often continue past midnight.

Intelligence from the two councils also suggests that further gatherings are being planned, and that despite reports being made to police, cars often return after being dispersed,

Now, the councils want to implement new measures to stop the antisocial behaviour. They are proposing to introdice a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering the Babraham Park and Ride site. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and already existing CCTV would be used, meaning that councils can track vehicles and issue fines without physically needing to be there.

The new measures would make it a criminal offence to do any of the following within the park and ride:

• Speeding or reckless driving that risks causing harassment, alarm or distress
• Revving, racing and disruptive vehicle behaviour, including unnecessary acceleration, loud engine revving, horn misuse and amplified music causing nuisance
• Dangerous stunts such as drifting, doughnuts, burnouts, wheel spins, J‑turns or wheelies
• Organised meets or racing‑style activity, including entering the site for vehicle display or performance driving
• Threatening or abusive behaviour towards other Park and Ride users

If the PSPO is introduced, anyone violating the rules could be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000 or get a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £500.

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, said: “Residents have told us just how disruptive and intimidating this behaviour has become, especially late at night. Nobody should have to put up with dangerous driving, excessive noise or large organised meets that make people feel unsafe. “

“We’re proposing this PSPO so we can take stronger action – but it is vital local people help shape it. I would really encourage anyone who uses the Park and Ride, or lives nearby, to take part in the consultation and share their views.”

The consultation, asking for views on the issues, runs until Friday, March 27.

Cambridge City Council’s Cabinet Member for Safety, Wellbeing and Tackling Homelessness, Cllr Mike Todd-Jones, said:“This is not a one‑off issue – it’s been happening repeatedly, and residents deserve better. The proposed PSPO is an important step in tackling these problems, and your feedback will help ensure we get it right. Please take a few minutes to have your say during the consultation. Your voice will make a real difference.”