After new COVID-19 laws were introduced by the government outlawing large gatherings, Royal Herts Statics has taken the decision to close meets at Hatfield Tesco.

The group, which took the decision citing the lack of people social distancing at a recent Tesco meet on Sunday, is hopeful it will be back to holding safe car enthusiast meetings in the future.

One of the organisers told the WHT: “So due to current COVID-19 laws, regarding only groups of six being allowed and the tougher fines on organisers for non-COVID secure events we have temporarily postponed all our meets until the regulations are lifted, which allows our club to restart the meets again. So this is only temporary until it’s safe to continue.”

Police also attended the Sunday meet after speeding concerns by the junction for the A1(M) and a Section 35 dispersal order was put in place with all attendees leaving the area by about 10.45pm.

Officers closely monitor any reports or intelligence regarding car meets and always try to engage with the organisers where possible. Where resources allow, officers may attend such events, but it is the responsibility of the organisers to provide marshals if required. If road offences are reported, then proportionate action will always be taken.

The Royal Herts Statics meets regularly at Hatfield Tesco, normally in a safe and socially-distanced way.