15th September 2026
The Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council has written to the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, calling for greater action and information on excessive vehicle noise and anti-social vehicle use across South Oxfordshire.
The letter follows increasing concerns from residents about the impact of noisy vehicles, including motorcycles and cars fitted with modified exhaust systems, as well as anti-social driving and the illegal use of off-road motorcycles.
While responsibility for enforcing road traffic legislation sits primarily with Thames Valley Police, residents frequently raise these issues with the district council because of the significant effect they can have on everyday life, particularly in rural communities and along popular driving and motorcycling routes.
The topic was discussed in a Council meeting in July when Cllr Ed Sadler, ward member for Chinnor, raised a motion in response to enquiries from local residents. The Council agreed the motion, and so in a letter sent to Matther Barber, the local Police and Crime Commissioner, the Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers has requested information on the number of reports received by Thames Valley Police relating to excessive vehicle noise and vehicle-related anti-social behaviour in South Oxfordshire, the enforcement activity undertaken in response, and any planned initiatives aimed at tackling these concerns.
The Council has also called for closer partnership working between local authorities, Thames Valley Police and town and parish councils to build a clearer picture of recurring hotspots and support targeted enforcement activity.
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said:
“The council firmly believes that residents should be able to enjoy their homes and communities without unnecessary disruption from excessive vehicle noise and anti-social vehicle use. There certainly seems to be a perception that those responsible – chiefly Thames Valley Police – don’t appear to be doing enough to tackle this issue. We are therefore keen to understand how these issues are currently being addressed across South Oxfordshire and how local agencies can work together more effectively to support affected communities.”
Cllr Sadler added:
“Residents regularly tell me about the significant impact that excessive vehicle noise and anti-social driving can have on their quality of life. While the district council has limited powers to take direct action, we are determined to ensure these concerns are heard and addressed by the agencies responsible for enforcement. This letter is an important step in seeking answers and identifying opportunities for stronger partnership working.”
The letter highlights the Council’s interest in exploring how reporting data and hotspot mapping could be used to better identify problem locations and inform enforcement activity. It also emphasises the importance of ensuring residents understand how and where to report concerns.
Once a response is received, the council intends to share the information with local Members of Parliament, Oxfordshire County Council and town and parish councils to help raise awareness of the issue and support wider partnership working.
A copy of the letter is available on the council’s official correspondence webpage.
South Oxfordshire District Council will continue to work with partners and represent residents’ concerns on issues that affect communities across the district.
