looking at the local news every media outlet has a statement from suffolk cops mentioning “they are getting tough on illegal raves”. they claim “this is done for the good of society and safety of those who may attend them”

I understand a few planned for this area or nearer cities were shut down before they started – worse still even legitimate hall parties and licensed events are discouraged here..

no doubt the cops will claim a success; but its not the case that waving a magic police baton will makes a stomping rave bunny miraculously disappear from the policemans helmet (if only for fear of being clouted across the head)

Some people may have decided not to party this weekend but they aren’t going to give up looking for these events – it merely pushes the problem into neighbouring counties; and makes people more determined to find an event next time.

this must encourage a lot of young people (including many who have just got their licenses) to drive very long distances at night, with passengers even when they are not that confident (peer pressure is a powerful thing which can override an instinct of self-preservation!)

and although to be fair most young people who attend raves are good drivers and try not to drive under the influence ; what is happening now is that a 50-60 mile round trip is turning into a 100-200 mile round trip…

the journey there isn’t too much of a problem either with a vehicle full of eager, happy people – but – even if drivers do get a few hours kip in the car they are often driving back sleep-deprived even if they have not taken any drugs, with passengers who are themselves asleep or even irritable and arguing because of comedowns.

With every mile travelled the risk increases..

and if local raves can’t be found may even take the risk to go to a townie club in Norfolk or Cambs, where they are more likely to drink as well as take drugs and then to be chucked out earlier and have to drive back (theres no late night public transport between the counties) – this being the case because unless you are a 15 year old chav legal venues here must hold little appeal and most are closed by 2am..

I have noticed a local news report implying that there is a sudden and apparently inexplicable increase in serious road traffic collisions involving young people driving late at night on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders.

the govt statistics log these incidents as happening in Norfolk because the main hospital for that area is in Norfolk.

So it seems people here are literally sacrificing their youth on the roads for the sake of a quiet night, and cynically passing the problem into another county 🙁