Three cars seized and 50 drivers prosecuted as part of Operation Marshall

At around 7pm on Sunday 20 August 2023, officers became aware of a large-scale car meet that was taking place at various locations around Greater Manchester.

It was established that around 200 vehicles were involved, which started at a car park in Pillsworth, Bury and ended up travelling throughout Manchester.

Three vehicles were seized, and more than 50 drivers will be prosecuted for taking part in last night’s activities, underlining GMP’s no nonsense approach to illegal car meets.

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) and Operation Marshall have been proactively working to identify some of the most prolific offenders.

Op Marshall aims to reduce the impact, risk and criminality associated with car cruise events. The aim is to work effectively with partners, event organisers, other stakeholders, and the public, to reduce, as far as possible, disruption to local communities.

Officers also work with insurers to identify breaches of policy and seize any vehicles found to be uninsured.

PC Oliver Garner from Operation Marshall said: “This is a fantastic step towards making the roads of Greater Manchester a safer place for all those them. My message to those involved in car meets is clear, your actions create risks sadly seen from tragic events in history.

"You may think action wasn’t taken against you at the time, however post review always takes place and action is taken as many have already seen.

"Trafford and Stockport boroughs have orders in place and simply turning up is a breach which we work closely with Trafford and Stockport Council to enforce.

“These car meets are illegal and are not safely managed, they put lives at risk not just for those who attend these meets but the for the innocent public who are on the roads as well.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to these kinds of events and those drivers who we have identified will receive a notice of prosecution in the post.

“Those involved in Operation Marshall will continue to work hard to bring offenders to justice and continue the work we have done to bring these illegal car meets to a complete stop."