A53 Drivers Beware Update: Action by SMDC

17th June 2026

One of our readers whose car was damaged told us that following our suggestion, they contacted SMDC and their service provider for the Waste to explain the issue and received the following reply:

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

The wall has been pushed out due to tree growth.

The loose stone has been removed from the site and stored, awaiting a repair to the wall at that location.

I have forwarded the report to local PCSO teams to monitor anti-social behaviour in the area.

Kind regards

Tim Shepherd Commissioning Officer (Parks & Open Spaces)

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This is an ongoing issue, so do take extreme caution when driving in this area.

Police appeal for information, dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police told COGNEWS

"We are appealing for information after cars were damaged in Leek. We have received numerous reports of branches and stones being thrown at cars which were being driven on Leek Road between 2pm and 7pm on Sunday (7 June). Minor damage has been caused to two cars. Our investigation is ongoing.

We are appealing for anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage of the area at the time to contact us. Call 101, quoting incident 209 of 7 June, or use Live Chat on our website.

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Motorists have reported incidents of their vehicles being deliberately damaged while driving from Leek on Buxton Road. Police received reports on Thursday and Sunday about a group of young people throwing bricks and logs at vehicles. Additionally, they are placing logs on the busy high-speed road to cause more damage.

Not only is this damaging to vehicles and upsetting for travelers, but it is a serious risk of injury or even death. Anyone deliberately causing a traffic accident can face severe criminal penalties, including life imprisonment, depending on the consequences of the incident and the specific charges brought against them under UK law.

One driver told COGNEWS, "I was driving along at about 40 miles an hour when I heard a big bang and wondered what it was. I checked that my two passengers were not injured and pulled in to the side of the road to check the vehicle over. I noticed that on the front of the vehicle was dust from stones and two dents, one is quite deep. It will cost quite a bit to repair as well as the inconvenience. It stopped us from having our planned day out, and we probably wouldn't travel that way again knowing that this is going on. It's completely alien to me that kids could do this."

The location that the youngsters are using is located by the Goa Restaurant, and it appears that they have dismantled part of the wall, allowing access into The Waste. The What3Words location is price.crunches.oldest, so if you're traveling this way, please be vigilant.

Important Update for A53 Drivers: SMDC Takes Action - added 17th June 2026

Update: Police Appeal for Information: Drivers Beware When Traveling on the A53 Near Leek - created 7th June 2026