ROADS in Somerset can now be closed by police in a bid to tackle anti-social and dangerous driving after new powers were granted.

Somerset Council has approved a plan to allow Avon & Somerset Police to shut roads around Cheddar Gorge to tackle problems – including car ‘cruises’.

Under the new Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO), officers can close the road between the Cox’s Mill Car Park and the junction of the B3135 and B3371.

The power is available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and can be used in advance of planned events or in the event of ongoing issues.

Issued for an initial 21-day period, the powers can be extended to 18 months, and allow closures to be put in place at any time and for any duration between 4pm and 6am on each of the three days.

If roads are closed, businesses will remain open as usual and people will be allowed access to their homes.

Dispersal orders have previously been used by police to shut down gatherings of cruisers, but the new power can be used in advance of an event taking place.

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Acting Sergeant Daryl Screech said: “We are fully aware of the disruption anti-social driving continues to have on the residents of Cheddar and its visitors.

“Not only is it disruptive and dangerous, but these events also put significant demand on police resources with officers having to be diverted from other matters to respond and ensure public safety.

“We continue to work closely with our partners, including Somerset Council, to come up with long-term solutions and this latest step gives us powers to stop these events when they’re most likely to take place but also in a way which allows us to minimise the impact on the wider public.”

Lead member for transport and waste services at Somerset Council, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said: “We were very keen to work with Avon and Somerset Police in supporting this initiative.

“This is a long-standing issue in the area, and whilst we appreciate there is no easy solution, granting police these powers will significantly reduce the opportunities for groups to engage in dangerous or anti-social driving.”

Anyone who sees anti-social driving – in Cheddar or elsewhere – should report it to police on 101.