Police warn young drivers after risky car meet at Hartside Pass

Cumbria Constabulary attended a car meet at the peak of Hartside Pass after a member of the public raised concerns about driving.

The pass, which tops out at 1,904 feet, is popular with motoring enthusiasts and bikers thanks to its stunning views and tight bends and is used by many drivers travelling from Northumberland to Cumbria.

However, winter conditions can be difficult and motorists were reported even carrying out handbrake turns on tight bends.

A spokesman for Cumbria Constabulary said: “We had a report in at around 1.20pm on December 28 of a large number of cars gathering at Hartside Pass and driving dangerously, including handbrake turns on corners.

“The caller was concerned they could cause a crash. Police attended and engaged with those in attendance.

“No inappropriate or dangerous driving was witnessed whilst officers in attendance, but some drivers were engaged with regarding correctly displaying number plates and issues with tinted windows.”

In the UK, car window tinting rules require the front windscreen to let at least 75 per cent light through and front side windows at least 70 per cent. There are no rules for rear windows.

Car front number plates must be reflective, display black characters on a white background (for modern cars), use the official font, and meet specific size/spacing rules, with no custom backgrounds or removable characters. Plates must be clearly visible and fixed vertically.

Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for public safety, Coun Gordon Stewart, said: “I know this is a popular route with drivers from Northumberland, and particularly with young people. Cross-border operations are being conducted to keep people safe.

“Driving during the winter months presents its own difficulties. Micro climates can occur in relatively short distances due to frost, ice or snow and leaf fall may also create dangers.

“The hours of daylight are short, and glare from other vehicles headlights can at times be very blinding.

“In addition, please make sure registration plates are displayed and windows are clear to allow full visibility, including tinted glass, being legally compliant.”