A DISPERSAL order has been put in place across Hampshire after police received information about planned unauthorised horse and trap racing throughout this weekend on the A33 between Winchester and Basingstoke.

This gives police officers the power to disperse people and seize any items related to the anti-social behaviour offence. 

In May up to 500 Travellers blocked the A33 dual carriageway for two days of illegal racing, disrupting travel for thousands of motorists.

Inspector John Stribley said: “Racing on public road networks is an offence, and will result in us taking enforcement action.

“These activities can be conducted lawfully elsewhere, such as on private land, and we will not be tolerating the use of Hampshire’s roads for an illegal sporting event.

“We will deal with offences robustly, and take action wherever we have a power in law to do so.

“A Section 35 dispersal order has been authorised for the entirety of the weekend until 8am on Monday morning (December 20), and will be in place across the whole of the county.”

Police have said that there is currently no plan to close the road; however, any action taken in this regard will be in response to "a dynamic situation on the ground and balanced against the risks to motorists".

If you have any concerns or information on any criminal activity taking place, contact police on 101 or on 999 if it is an emergency.