THREE people have been arrested by police following an operation to combat anti-social driving. In recent weeks, Herts Police have received a number of complaints regarding the behaviour of groups of drivers involved in time trials on Gunnels Wood Road in

THREE people have been arrested by police following an operation to combat anti-social driving.

In recent weeks, Herts Police have received a number of complaints regarding the behaviour of groups of drivers involved in time trials on Gunnels Wood Road in Stevenage.

Police said their driving "was putting others at risk" and launched an intelligence-led operation involved a number of officers from Stevenage Neighbourhood and Intervention Teams, Roads Policing Unit, Operation Sentinel Intercept Team and the Dog Unit.

On Thursday last week, three people were arrested - two on suspicion of public order offences and the other on suspicion of a drugs offence.

Chief Inspector for Stevenage, Fiona Gaskell said: "Firstly I would to point out that the actions of those involved in these time trial events are totally irresponsible and are potentially putting other people's lives at risk, let alone their own."

She said officers responding to calls from the public concerned about cars racing have been verbally abused and on some occasions have been surrounded by groups of people involved in "an attempt to intimidate them and stop them carrying out their duties."

Ch Ins Gaskell said: "This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in Stevenage."

She added: "Because of a serious concern for public safety and the safety of officers, an appropriate level of policing was used in the operation on Thursday.

"Whilst officers tried to deal with the situation, those involved were aggressive towards them, tried to obstruct them and threw missiles at them."

She continued: "People in Stevenage have the right to enjoy a peaceful and safe environment and not feel terrorised by groups.

"Further intelligence gathering and operations will take place to tackle these issues and put an end to it.

"We are also working with businesses in the area to ask people to report any issues of people gathering in car parks or racing along roads.

"Working together we can create a safer Stevenage."

Anyone who has any information, including registrations numbers and descriptions of vehicles, is asked to contact Stevenage Police on 0845 3300 222.