Partnership approach to tackling long-term problem of anti-social driving in Chiswell Green

Acoustic monitoring technology was installed yesterday (Wednesday 25 June) to help address the long-term neighbourhood priority of vehicle related anti-social driving, illegal car meets and excessive noise along the A405 in Chiswell Green.

Acoustic monitoring technology was installed yesterday (Wednesday 25 June) to help address the long-term neighbourhood priority of vehicle related anti-social driving, illegal car meets and excessive noise along the A405 in Chiswell Green.

Following numerous complaints by residents about excessive noise when drivers race down the A405 and organised car meets at Starbucks, the Police and Crime Commissioner is funding the innovative acoustic monitoring technology with cameras, to measure vehicles emitting noise above the legal threshold.

The local Neighbourhood Policing Team has been working on the complex long-term neighbourhood priority of vehicle related anti-social behaviour on the A414 North Orbital Road with Starbucks, Herts Highways, Herts County Council, local councillors, Burston Garden Centre and the PCCs office for the past five years.

PCC Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “Residents have had to put up with years of disruption from street racing and anti-social driving along the A405 for years. As well as impacting the quality of life for families and older residents, it poses a real danger to all road users.

 “This is the first time that this technology has been used in Hertfordshire. It takes a firm, but fair approach – education first before police take enforcement action, which could mean vehicles being seized.”

Drivers caught exceeding these noise limits will receive educational warning letters, with repeat offending facing Section 59 warnings, which could result in their vehicles being seized if caught for a second time. 

Digital Highways signs warning drivers about the acoustic monitoring devices are in place.  

Neighbourhood Sergeant Hannah McLaughlin said: “Luckily no-one has been killed by this reckless driving. This has been an unusually complex neighbourhood priority to resolve.  We have been working closely with Starbucks, who have gone above and beyond to deter anti-social driving and car meets, as well as other agencies including the PCCs office.  We have also been working with local residents whose lives have been affected by the constant noise and disruption and we are committed to helping to make the road safer for all road users.”

Councillor Ajanta Hilton, who is also a local resident, and been involved in the issue, added: “These issues have plagued residents for many years.  As a local resident myself, it has been very stressful. Cars racing late at night has interrupted people’s sleep. Thanks to the neighbourhood officers and PCC for their determination to find a solution.”

The PCC has committed up to £29,000 in funding with additional support from St Stephens parish councillors to cover running costs from year two.

To view the images relating to this Press release, please see St Albans facebook page.