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Police praised after huge car meet in Reading

Police praised after huge car meet in Reading <i>(Image: TVP)</i>
Police praised after huge car meet in Reading (Image: TVP)

Traffic cops have praised enthusiasts who 'behaved' after a huge car meet in Reading while social media users have commended the police for 'positive engagement'.

As previously reported, hundreds of people and cars gathered on Tuesday night for Reading Japanese Car Meet.

Officers from Thames Valley Police's road policing team said that the majority behaved and took to social media to commend them, writing: "We appreciate the fact the majority arrived, parked up and then chatted and viewed other cars."

However, they pointed out there were a "a few" who brought the tone down with their "draft exhaust systems".

Their social media post has clocked up 1.2k likes with hundreds of comments in support of the force for allowing the event to go ahead.

A spokesman for Reading Car Meet thanked the police for keeping the event safe and "keeping the peace".

One man wrote: "Respect [to Thames Valley Police] for allowing the car owners to do this. Many forces around the UK, would shut events like this down before the start. Even jump on a small groups parked up having a chat in a car park asking them to leave. But it's nice to know some decent forces out there."

While another added: "Great work by TVP!  this is the sort of positive engagement us petrolheads in the car community want to see. Hopefully other forces can take note of this approach."

Car meets have a controversial reputation with critics saying they encourage anti-social behaviour and disruption to the community.

Supporters however say they bring like-minded people together and encourage bonding opportunities for fellow car enthusiasts.

Taking to Facebook, a spokesman for the unit said: "Thank you to those who attended the #readingjapmeet at the Reading Gate Car Meet on Tuesday night and behaved showing off your cars.

"We appreciate the fact the majority arrived, parked up and then chatted and viewed others cars. Sadly, there were a few that decided to arrive who bought the tone down with their daft exhaust systems.

"We did what we could to make sure all was safe on the roads for other road users and the 'fans' who decided to line the #a33 outside the car park wanting to film cars leaving. Again, safety is paramount. The last thing we want is for something to go wrong and someone is injured."

In response, a spokesman for the event replied to the police, writing: "Many thanks for keeping the peace for us. We are a static meet and I think most people respect that. TVP will only ever go after the people it needs to in order to keep the roads safe.

"So if you're coming along with the idea that you can show off your driving skills (or lack of), please stay at home and book a track day where you can drive fast in a controlled environment.

"If you're coming along to show your legal and safe modifications. Then you are more than welcome to join the meet."