The PSNI had earlier issued a stern warning that “anti-social driving, or reckless driving will not be tolerated”
A Belfast MLA has slammed the “disgraceful scenes” appearing to show a large car cruise event in the west of the city on Bank Holiday Monday evening, May 4.
Footage shared on social media by Danny Baker, MLA for West Belfast, showed a diffing event on the Stewartstown Road.
The PSNI had earlier issued a stern warning that “anti-social driving, or reckless driving will not be tolerated”.
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Mr Baker condemned the scenes, writing on Facebook : “Disgraceful scenes on Stewartstown Road; shame on those who brought this to our community. PSNI were well warned, and I asked for preventive measures.
“They didn’t listen and failed in their duties. They didn’t prepare and left our community to pick up the pieces. Shameful and unacceptable.”
Earlier, Mr Baker said: “Our community does not want cars traveling across the city for so called ‘meet ups’! The Dairy Farm Complex is a vital resource for our community.
“It serves the people of the Colin. The car park is there for local businesses and local people and not for spinning wheels or drifting.
“People are going about their daily lives, and should not be being stuck in a convoy along the Stewartstown Road. It is the last thing we need or want.
“Our community is not the place for this type of gathering. Over the years too many have lost their lives along this road through speeding and dangerous driving.
“This proposed gathering is simply not acceptable.”
The PSNI has been contacted for a response.
In an earlier Facebook post, a spokesperson for Police West Belfast said: “We are aware of a planned cruise/diffing event tonight on the Stewartstown Road, and that any anti-social driving, or reckless driving will not be tolerated, and will met with swift action and enforcement.
“This kind of driving behaviour where large crowds may gather is dangerous, and those keen on taking part are advised not to.
“We would ask all road users to ensure their vehicles are road worthy, follow the rules of the road and drive with care and attention always.”
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