Drivers have been banned from 'performing stunts', 'excessively revving engines', and 'repeatedly sounding horns' across the whole of Stockport as part of a crackdown on antisocial behaviour.

Earlier this month, Cllr Dan Oliver, Stockport council's councillor in charge of communities, culture and public protection, approved the reinstatement of a public space protection order across the whole of the borough to crack down on car cruising for the next three years.

PSPOs give the authorities extra powers to deal with antisocial behaviour but can only last for a maximum of three years. An order previously expired in March 2026 and people supported the renewal when asked for their thoughts on the proposal.

A local authority notice of the decision said: "People representing the car cruise events have asked the Council to provide a location that can be used. Given the risks associated with dangerous driving and nuisance behaviour this isn't an option.

"Our car parks are key locations for people who wish to visit and support the local economy. Previously, car parks have become unavailable to other users when occupied by car cruises.

"The continuing development of the night-time economy in Stockport has seen visitor numbers increase and makes keeping the PSPO necessary."

Enforcement is carried out by Stockport Council and Greater Manchester Police. If found to be breaching the order, people can be fined a minimum of £100 but this can be as much as £1,000 if the matter goes to court.

The first PSPO was introduced in 2017 when the council said there had been 'a serious problem' with car cruising building up with 'large scale gatherings of car owners, often involving more than two hundred vehicles' in car parks around the borough.

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These events had no authorisation and took place after 6pm when charges no longer applied. Stockport council said: "The events were noisy, disruptive, and dangerous. Consequently, there were significant complaints from residents and businesses."

When the order was introduced, the council said the crackdown had an effect with events being short lived and numbers reducing massively. One event in December 2025 saw 55 fines handed out.

However events have still continued with around 80 to 100 cars and 200 people turning up to an event on Stockport Road in Edgeley in July 2025. One person told the council they'd seen 'an issue with 'stunt' riding of motorcycles and quad bikes on residential roads, usually three or four vehicles in convoy'

Under the order, the council defines car cruising as being driver or keeper of a vehicle when two or more are driving down the road or somewhere open to the public and performing a number of activities banned.

These are 'causing a danger to other road users including pedestrians or causing a significant risk of damage to property by either speeding or racing', 'driving in convoy while car cruising', and 'performing stunts while car cruising'.

People are also not allowed to be 'repeatedly sounding horns' or 'playing music excessively loud' as to 'cause a significant public nuisance'. 'Using foul or abusive language' or 'using threatening, intimidating behaviour towards another person' are also not permitted.

Obstructing a public highway or space is also forbidden under the new order as well as "excessively revving engines in a way that could cause the engine to backfire". The public have also been forbidden from advertising any car cruising events or attending them in any capacity.

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