Police granted powers to close road through Cheddar Gorge to combat dangerous driving

Police have been given new powers to close a stretch of road through the iconic Cheddar Gorge in an effort to tackle dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour linked to car meets.

The B3135, a popular route among car enthusiasts, has seen repeated gatherings that have led to criminal prosecutions in the past. Under a new Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, officers can now shut the section of road between Cox’s Mill Car Park and the junction with the B3371 to prevent offences from occurring.

Acting Sergeant Daryl Screech said:“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.

“We continue to work closely with our partners, including Somerset Council, to develop long-term solutions. This latest step gives us the authority to stop these gatherings when they're most likely to happen, while still minimising disruption for the wider public.”

The powers allow Avon and Somerset Police to enforce road closures on Fridays and weekends, between 4:00pm and 6:00am. Closures can also be scheduled in advance when planned events or ongoing problems are identified.

The order, issued by neighbouring Somerset Council, will initially be in place for three weeks, but it can be extended for up to 18 months.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, the council’s lead member for transport and waste services, said: "This has been a long-standing issue in the area. While there’s no quick fix, granting the police these powers will significantly reduce opportunities for groups to engage in dangerous or anti-social driving.”

The council confirmed that businesses will remain open during closures and residents will still be allowed access.