Police sergeant in Hampshire honoured for tackling car meets

Since August 2024, Sergeant James Hall has led investigations into the gatherings, resulting in action against 184 drivers for more than 300 offences.

The offences included speeding, dangerous stunts, and other forms of anti-social behaviour.

PS Hall and Chief Superintendent Dodds attached (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Sgt Hall said: "The people who attend these events are often put at serious risk of harm by a minority who are seen performing dangerous stunts and speeding.

"I cannot stress enough that while you may think you are an expert driver, anyone can make a mistake.

"When you do make that mistake, you could be living with the consequences for the rest of your life."

The crackdown has resulted in more than £33,000 in fines, 171 penalty points, and 44 driving disqualifications.

A total of 93 Fixed Penalty Notices have also been issued, and 87 offences have been brought to court.

Hampshire Constabulary said the targeted action has led to a 43 per cent reduction in illegal car meets across the area.

Sgt Hall said: "We have zero tolerance for this behaviour on our roads.

"It puts other road users at risk as well as bystanders attending these events, but it also is a blight on our communities who are fed up of the loud screeching and noises from popping exhausts.

"I hope the work I’ve been a part of has made a difference here and shows how committed we are to tackling this issue."

For his efforts, Sgt Hall was presented with a Certificate of Congratulations at the recent Joint Operations Unit Awards, held at Holdsworth Hall in Sulhamstead.

More than 40 officers and staff from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police were honoured during the ceremony on June 23.

Chief Superintendent Simon Dodds praised Sgt Hall’s exemplary leadership.

He said: "Sergeant Hall has led this work with outstanding professionalism, innovation and determination.

"Recognising how difficult these offences can be to investigate, he adopted innovative methods to capture offences, including the use of drone technology, number plate recognition software and social media to identify those responsible, with many of the participants being from outside Hampshire.

"He has coordinated arrests, overseen the seizure of vehicles and devices and managed complex investigations with meticulous attention to detail."