The parents of a teenager, Toya Jefferies, who died in a car crash last month have condemned a planned car meet in her memory.

Toya, from Royal Wooton Bassett, died when the Renault Clio she was a passenger in crashed on an unnamed road near Bushton on August 29.

It has been reported that a memorial car meet has been planned for this weekend in Toya’s memory, at an undisclosed location.(Image: Newsquest)

But in a police statement, her parents said: “We know that many people have been touched by the death of our amazing daughter Toya, both those who knew her personally, and others who never met her but want to show their support for us at this difficult time. 

“We are really grateful to everyone.”

"We understand that there are plans to organise a car meet and vigil in Toya’s memory.

“Whilst we appreciate this kind thought, and we know that people may want to attend with the best intentions - we are concerned about the safety of this event. 

“The last thing we want to see is anyone else being hurt.

“We have thought carefully about this, and taken advice from Wiltshire Police, and do not feel it is the most appropriate way to remember Toya.

“If you were wanting to attend, please reconsider - thank you for your understanding.”

The 18-year-old male driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has since been taken into custody.

Car meets around Swindon and Wiltshire have been associated with dangerous driving, sometimes resulting in injuries.Police seized vehicles and penalised drivers at an illegal car meet in Swindon in July (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Last year a car doing doughnuts crashed into a crowd of spectators at an event attended by around 500 people at Hawksworth Industrial Estate.

During the evening, the crowd formed a circle around a group of drivers doing doughnuts, when one of the vehicles suddenly stopped drifting and entered into the crowd, injuring four people.

Although discharged with minor injuries, it added to concern over the potential for unregulated and unlicensed meetings of car owners to quickly go wrong.Police seized vehicles and penalised drivers at an illegal car meet in Swindon in July (Image: Wiltshire Police)

An arrest was also made at this event for dangerous driving.

At a 2024 car meet in July, four motorists were reported for dangerous driving and issued a section 59 order.

This allowed the vehicles to be seized because they were being used in a manner that was like to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to the public and being driven carelessly or inconsiderately.