Police issue dispersal order across Greater Manchester to prevent dangerous car meets

Saturday, 17 January 2026 19:44

By David Murphy

A dispersal order is now in place across Greater Manchester as police prepare for a series of illegal car cruise events this weekend, following a deadly collision in Bolton last week.

Greater Manchester Police has implemented a force-wide Section 35 dispersal order starting from 3.30pm on Saturday 17 January until 5am on Monday 19 January. The order empowers officers to direct individuals to leave an area if they suspect their presence may lead to anti-social behaviour or disorder.

The action comes in response to planned car gatherings across the region, which GMP said have previously resulted in unsafe driving, public nuisance, and serious incidents.

Chief Inspector John Haywood, from GMP’s Bolton district, said public safety was the priority following a recent road traffic collision involving multiple fatalities.

We know that car meets can attract large crowds and, at times, lead to behaviour that puts people at risk,

Following the multiple-fatality road traffic collision in Bolton last week, our priority is to ensure the safety of everyone across Greater Manchester.

He added that such gatherings have been linked to anti-social and disruptive behaviour in the past, leading to concern among residents.

The Section 35 dispersal order gives our officers the powers they need to act swiftly if any issues arise, prevent disorder and minimise disruption to local communities.

We would urge anyone planning to attend these events to consider the impact they can have and to comply with officers’ directions to keep people safe and maintain order.

The order applies across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester and forms part of the force’s preventative approach to car-related disorder. It follows a recent rise in similar events, often coordinated on social media, drawing hundreds of spectators and vehicles.

Those who fail to comply with a dispersal direction can be arrested and face further legal action.

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