**Spectators Crowd Newport Road as Police Crack Down on Illegal Drag Racing**
Large groups of spectators gathered along the A48 near Newport recently, drawn by the spectacle of illegal drag racing on one of Wales’ busiest roadways. The event, which took place late in October 2024 near the junction with Celtic Way, was recorded by bystanders and later shown in court as evidence. These gatherings highlight growing concerns amongst locals and authorities about the public safety risks attached to such unlawful driving activities.
On Thursday, July 17, Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court heard the case of Phillip Melville, a 41-year-old from Abergavenny, who participated in the drag race. Footage presented during the proceedings showed Melville speeding down the main road while onlookers lined the pavement and verges, undoubtedly aware of the risk yet enthralled by the drama playing out before them.
Melville pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving. As a result, he received a 12-month driving ban, alongside a fine of £576, £90 in court costs, and a further victim surcharge of £230. This ruling sends a clear message: the legal consequences for taking part in such anti-social events are significant and intended to act as a deterrent for others considering similar actions.
Gwent Police have intensified their efforts to clamp down on street racing and other forms of anti-social driving through the ongoing Operation Wheeler initiative. PC Elliot Morgan, who oversaw Melville’s case, stressed that public roads must not be mistaken for racetracks. “Our roads are not racetracks and there are so many potential risks when people decide to drive as recklessly as this,” said PC Morgan. He further emphasised that dangerous driving could have a profound impact on a person’s future, including loss of livelihood, liberty, and life itself.
Operation Wheeler was launched in response to an alarming surge in reports of unlawful vehicular gatherings in 2024, with Gwent Police receiving 144 complaints regarding illegal car meets and street racing over the past year. Law enforcement agencies are working proactively to track and prosecute offenders, a move supported by multiple recent convictions.
In a statement, RPSO Sergeant Mitchell Harris, who leads Operation Wheeler, outlined the broader implications of these events. He noted that illegal car meets not only cause noise pollution and disrupt communities, but also have the potential to be connected to further criminal activities. “Illegal car meets are not just a nuisance; they pose serious risks to public safety and community wellbeing,” said Sergeant Harris, highlighting the operation’s main goal to curb these hazardous activities.
Earlier this month, a 20-year-old man was also prosecuted for dangerous driving in Newport, after he was captured on film performing doughnuts in a car around pedestrians. He received a similar 12-month driving ban, was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, and required to undertake a rehabilitation programme.
Additionally, Gwent Police recently announced that two further individuals had been successfully prosecuted for their involvement in separate incidents of drag racing in the Newport area. Both were handed driving disqualifications, further illustrating the judiciary’s uncompromising stance on road safety offences.
The persistent problem of street racing and illegal meets is a pressing issue for many communities across Wales. While such events may attract crowds eager for excitement, they present genuine dangers both to participants and innocent bystanders. The recent police crackdown, bolstered by court convictions, serves as a stark warning to would-be racers about the consequences of flouting road safety laws.
Gwent Police remain steadfast in their efforts to keep roads safe and to reduce the risks posed by illegal driving activities, working closely with local partners and the judiciary. For residents who witness suspicious gatherings or unsafe driving, authorities encourage prompt reporting to help ensure Welsh roads remain secure for all.