London cracks down on engine revving with £1,000 fines
Kensington and Chelsea Council introduces a Public Spaces Protection Order targeting noisy driving behaviour, including engine revving and stunts, after complaints from residents.
Drivers who rev their engines, race or perform stunts on the streets of Kensington and Chelsea now risk an on-the-spot fine of up to £1,000, following the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) by the local council. The order responds to years of complaints from residents about excessive noise and dangerous driving, particularly in affluent areas such as Knightsbridge.
The PSPO gives police and council officers the power to fine drivers for a range of disruptive behaviours. These include revving engines, rapid acceleration, street racing, performing stunts, unnecessary horn use, causing obstructions, and leaving engines running while stationary. The council said the measures aim to tackle the “excessive level of noise nuisance, annoyance, danger or risk of harm or injury” caused by some motorists, especially those driving high-performance supercars.
Supercar culture and resident complaints
Kensington and Chelsea, home to some of London’s most expensive streets, has become a magnet for supercar owners keen to show off their vehicles. Summer months often see an influx of wealthy visitors, including drivers from the Middle East, who bring luxury cars such as Bugattis and Lamborghinis. The spectacle draws car enthusiasts and tourists, but local residents have long complained about sleepless nights and disruption caused by the noise.
The council’s move follows a sharp rise in public complaints over recent years. Residents now have access to a 24-hour hotline to report breaches, enabling quicker enforcement. The PSPO covers Knightsbridge and surrounding areas, with the council warning that further locations could be added if problems persist elsewhere.
Behaviours subject to fines
- Revving engines while stationary or moving
- Rapid acceleration or racing
- Performing stunts (such as doughnuts or drifting)
- Unnecessary or repeated horn use
- Causing obstructions on the road
- Leaving engines idling unnecessarily
Enforcement and implications
Police and council officers have been given explicit authority to issue fines to offenders. The council said the £1,000 penalty is intended to deter repeat behaviour and restore peace for residents. While the order does not target any specific make or model, supercar owners and those with modified exhausts are likely to be most affected. The council has indicated that enforcement will focus on the most disruptive behaviour rather than occasional minor infractions.
