More than 200 drivers have been warned over illegal street racing in Tower Hamlets in a crackdown by police in the past three months.

Several arrests have been made over multiple operations as Metropolitan Police Specialist Police Traffic Officers and Tower Hamlets Council are working together to crack down on the issue. Twenty cars have been impounded.

Action from the Council and police follow resident complaints about dangerous driving, modified vehicles and meet-ups in the borough.

Car meets in Westferry Circus in Canary Wharf were specifically targeted after being identified as an ongoing issue. Prior to the interventions, up to four unauthorized car meets a week took place at Westferry Circus; this has now been reduced to one.

Police issued 186 Section 59 notices at the meet using CCTV, body cam footage and Automated Number Plate systems. They also issued 84 Community Protection Warnings.

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “Unauthorised car meets can cause huge disruption for those living nearby.”

“We support people having hobbies, but these must be carried out in a respectful way that does not negatively impact on others.”

“The council have listened to our residents and, along with police, taken firm action against those involved in these disruptive behaviours.”