Don't use old Metheringham airfield runways as a race track warn police

A disused airfield is increasingly being used by drivers and motorcyclists riding and driving at excessive speeds, doing wheel spins and '˜donuts' causing a hazard to everyday road users, say police.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Apr 2016, 16:46 BST
Updated 19th Apr 2016, 17:50 BST
Don't use old runways at RAF Metheringham as a racetrack warn police. EMN-160418-173309001Don't use old runways at RAF Metheringham as a racetrack warn police. EMN-160418-173309001
Don't use old runways at RAF Metheringham as a racetrack warn police. EMN-160418-173309001

PC Pete Hanson, local Community Beat Manager for Metheringham, saidthe problem is growing on roads following the line of the old RAF Metheringham wartime airfield.

He explained: “We have stepped up patrols in the area, following complaints that some drivers are treating the roads like a race track, this is unacceptable.

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“It is well known the area is historically used by motorists who wish to help family members and friends with experience behind the wheel of their vehicles, this does not cause a disruption or harassment to others but everyone who uses the area needs the correct documents.

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Pc Peter Hanson. EMN-160418-173337001Pc Peter Hanson. EMN-160418-173337001
Pc Peter Hanson. EMN-160418-173337001

“We are really keen to educate anyone who is unsure about the law, but we will be taking action against drivers who use the area to drive in a careless or inconsiderate manner.”

The airfield, once used by 617 Squadron, has the remnants of runways and taxiways cross-crossing and encircling it. Where public roads follow the route of a runway, the roadway extends from verge to verge and includes the old concrete aircraft taxiways, says PC Hanson.

Anyone who uses or is thinking of using the former airfield, including the roads dissecting the airfield, needs to know they are driving on public roads and all road users need to have a valid driving licence, insurance, MOT and tax for their vehicles and make sure their vehicles are roadworthy.

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Any drivers being supervised must have a current provisional driving licence for the vehicle, be insured to use the vehicle and be accompanied by a qualified driver over the age of 21 years with a relevant licence and who has continuous or aggregated driving experience of at least three years. ‘L’ plates must be displayed.

Pc Peter Hanson. EMN-160418-173337001Pc Peter Hanson. EMN-160418-173337001
Pc Peter Hanson. EMN-160418-173337001

The simple message is to treat the former airfield as you would any other public road and drive responsibly with the correct documentation in place.

Those who ride or drive off the road, such as the former aircraft dispersal areas in an inconsiderate manner, may be committing offences too.

Additionally where the driving is viewed as causing harassment the driver may be issued with a written warning which covers both the rider/driver and the vehicle being used and could lead to the vehicle being seized should the anti-social use of it continue or be repeated.