Traffic rules to restrict car gatherings in Ratcliffe-on-Soar

New traffic rules are being considered to prevent “dangerous” car gatherings near a power station in Nottinghamshire.

Large groups of cars have gathered near the site on the A453 in Ratcliffe-on-Soar.

Police warned that motorists had gathered to watch high-speed maneuvers on the roundabouts between the power station and the motorway.

Nottinghamshire County Council will now ask the public whether parking on part of the road should be banned to curb these incidents.

According to the plans, ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras will be used to monitor the “red route”, prohibiting cars from stopping on certain sections of the road.

This would include the three roundabouts south of the power plant as well as the bridge inspection area, which is used as an observation gallery.

A city council report said the plans would have no impact on other road users except for those attending the car meet-ups.

“These events pose a danger to participants, spectators and the public who use the motorway at the same time,” the report says.

“During the incidents, many vehicles are parked dangerously and obstructively on the road and the occupants watch while other vehicles take turns manoeuvring around the roundabouts, often at high speed.

“Other spectators are also gathering at the side of the road and in the bridge inspection area.”

Both Nottinghamshire Police and Uniper Energy, which operates the power station, supported the measures, and the energy company had pledged to fund the move. Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Neil Clarke, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, approved plans for a consultation to take place last week.

The power plant is due to cease operations next month. The East Midlands Freeport is to be built on its site.

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