Wider ban would eradicate boy racers - councillor

Boy racers who cause distress to residents could be "eradicated" by extending a banning order, a councillor said.

Castle Point Borough Council in Essex is consulting on plans to enlarge the area covered by an existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Canvey Island.

It allows fines of up to £1,000 for vehicle-related anti-social activities including making excessive noise, causing a nuisance or posing a danger to other road users.

The order could be extended for a further three years and expanded from the area covering Haven Road, Canvey Road and Roscommon Way to include Waterside Farm Leisure Centre car park, Northwick Road, Thamesview Business Park and Fenttiman Road.

Common issues reported for a number of years included racing, dangerous driving and large gatherings, according to the council.

People's Independent Party councillor Russ Savage said extending the ban would "ensure those particular individuals who are causing all the distress to residents are eradicated".

He added: "Without a doubt this is very much what the residents are telling us they want."

Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence and may result in a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a fine of up to £1,000 on conviction.

The council's consultation is due to run until 1 August.

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