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2008
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Police clamp down on Lakeside "boy racers"
POLICE are clamping down on "boy racers" speeding near Lakeside Shopping Centre late at night.
The boy racers, who are using the A126 to "cruise" are causing sleepless nights for Chafford Hundred homeowners.
One homeowner, who asked to not be named, said: "It's blighting every Saturday night.
"The noise is horrendous and it's not just one car it's lots of cars.
"It makes you feel so helpless."
The man said the boy racers have been operating in the area since Christmas and he is regularly kept awake by the noise on a Saturday night.
The latest incident happened on a week night last Tuesday when he was kept awake until 4am.
An operation was mounted at Lakeside and Paycocke Road, Basildon, which is another hotspot for "cruisers", on February 23.
During the operation a number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued.
Inspector Nick Morris from Thurrock Police said: "It was brought to our attention at Christmas.
"The problem is they are quite well organised through their website.
"We had marked cars down and they disappear but return when they have gone."
Essex Police is currently carrying out work to put in place a permanent and long term solution to the problem.
In the meantime a number of operations are planned to enforce Road Traffic Regulations on the A126 at weekends.
Inspector Morris added: "We will not tolerate people coming to Thurrock in order to drive in a dangerous and anti-social manner and we will continue to target these people, as well as those that come to watch.
"We have visited other police forces from across the country who have successfully put in place measures to eradicate "cruising".
"Work is now taking place to replicate these plans across Thurrock."
Among the offences fixed penalty notices (FPNs) were issued for on February 23 were: Windows being too heavily tinted, number plates not being displayed properly, obstruction of the highway, speeding, no MOT, misuse of lamps, no seat belts, using mobile phones.
2:56pm Friday 28th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: essex_enthusiast, south ockendon on 7:07pm Fri 28 Mar 08
this is pethetic, if a boy wants to "work for money" then spend it on his car whats the problem? and drive it late at night to a so called "cruise" which bearing in mind is once a week and you people have a problem with that? go get a life and stop trying to f**k up others nights, pure idiots who ever thinks this car thing is wrong
this is pethetic, if a boy wants to "work for money" then spend it on his car whats the problem? and drive it late at night to a so called "cruise" which bearing in mind is once a week and you people have a problem with that? go get a life and stop trying to f**k up others nights, pure idiots who ever thinks this car thing is wrong
Posted by: Frank, Ockendon on 7:56pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I live off Stifford Road which is miles away from Lakeside and I have three very young children who dont understand the loud noise in the middle of the night! Cruise as much as you like if it gives you so much pleasure but get a less fecking noisy exhaust!!!!!
I live off Stifford Road which is miles away from Lakeside and I have three very young children who dont understand the loud noise in the middle of the night! Cruise as much as you like if it gives you so much pleasure but get a less fecking noisy exhaust!!!!!
Posted by: George, Chadwell SM on 9:07pm Fri 28 Mar 08
There is an easy solution to this. They could all take turns in cruising up and down their own streets and then all of their families and neighbours could cheer them on.
There is an easy solution to this. They could all take turns in cruising up and down their own streets and then all of their families and neighbours could cheer them on.
Posted by: jp, aveley on 10:26pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]essex_enthusiast[/bold] wrote:
this is pethetic, if a boy wants to "work for money" then spend it on his car whats the problem? and drive it late at night to a so called "cruise" which bearing in mind is once a week and you people have a problem with that? go get a life and stop trying to f**k up others nights, pure idiots who ever thinks this car thing is wrong[/quote] Sad and single minded Idiot
essex_enthusiast wrote:
this is pethetic, if a boy wants to "work for money" then spend it on his car whats the problem? and drive it late at night to a so called "cruise" which bearing in mind is once a week and you people have a problem with that? go get a life and stop trying to f**k up others nights, pure idiots who ever thinks this car thing is wrong
Sad and single minded Idiot
Posted by: thurrock voter, thurrock on 10:42pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]essex_enthusiast[/bold] wrote:
this is pethetic, if a boy wants to "work for money" then spend it on his car whats the problem? and drive it late at night to a so called "cruise" which bearing in mind is once a week and you people have a problem with that? go get a life and stop trying to f**k up others nights, pure idiots who ever thinks this car thing is wrong[/quote] we work hard for our money and deserve peace and quiet in our own homes. You are the idiot if you don't understand that. Your attitude typifies everything that is wrong with young people today - "I'll do what the hell I like and don't care what anybody else thinks"
essex_enthusiast wrote:
this is pethetic, if a boy wants to "work for money" then spend it on his car whats the problem? and drive it late at night to a so called "cruise" which bearing in mind is once a week and you people have a problem with that? go get a life and stop trying to f**k up others nights, pure idiots who ever thinks this car thing is wrong
we work hard for our money and deserve peace and quiet in our own homes. You are the idiot if you don't understand that. Your attitude typifies everything that is wrong with young people today - "I'll do what the hell I like and don't care what anybody else thinks"
Posted by: Thurrock Voice of Reason, Grays on 10:47pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]essex_enthusiast[/bold] wrote:
this is pethetic, if a boy wants to "work for money" then spend it on his car whats the problem? and drive it late at night to a so called "cruise" which bearing in mind is once a week and you people have a problem with that? go get a life and stop trying to f**k up others nights, pure idiots who ever thinks this car thing is wrong[/quote] Perhaps you can lets us know where you live essex so us oldies can come round once a week and rev our Volvos and Mondeos with an empty industrial size baked been tins on the exhaust ruining your time
essex_enthusiast wrote:
this is pethetic, if a boy wants to "work for money" then spend it on his car whats the problem? and drive it late at night to a so called "cruise" which bearing in mind is once a week and you people have a problem with that? go get a life and stop trying to f**k up others nights, pure idiots who ever thinks this car thing is wrong
Perhaps you can lets us know where you live essex so us oldies can come round once a week and rev our Volvos and Mondeos with an empty industrial size baked been tins on the exhaust ruining your time
Posted by: essexjoe, Basildon on 10:54pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]essex_enthusiast[/bold] wrote:
this is pethetic, if a boy wants to "work for money" then spend it on his car whats the problem? and drive it late at night to a so called "cruise" which bearing in mind is once a week and you people have a problem with that? go get a life and stop trying to f**k up others nights, pure idiots who ever thinks this car thing is wrong[/quote] You muppet, you can't even spell so I suppose we should expect idiotic replies from morons like you. Why don't you drive up and down mummy and daddy's road at 4am and see how they like it you idiot. Do yourself a favour and go take your 1.2 clio on a track day and get p1ssed all over by cars with real engines.
essex_enthusiast wrote:
this is pethetic, if a boy wants to "work for money" then spend it on his car whats the problem? and drive it late at night to a so called "cruise" which bearing in mind is once a week and you people have a problem with that? go get a life and stop trying to f**k up others nights, pure idiots who ever thinks this car thing is wrong
You muppet, you can't even spell so I suppose we should expect idiotic replies from morons like you. Why don't you drive up and down mummy and daddy's road at 4am and see how they like it you idiot. Do yourself a favour and go take your 1.2 clio on a track day and get p1ssed all over by cars with real engines.
Posted by: john, thurrock on 7:51am Sat 29 Mar 08
essex_enthusiast come on what road do you live down so we can make a racket when you and your family are tyrig to sleep tell us u selfint tosser
essex_enthusiast come on what road do you live down so we can make a racket when you and your family are tyrig to sleep tell us u selfint tosser
Posted by: Ashersjk, Chadwell St Mary on 12:43pm Sat 29 Mar 08
More importantly then all of this what about the safety of our children, how many more lives are going to be taken so young and tragically?? How many more innocent parents have to feel the blow of that dreaded knock on the door.
More importantly then all of this what about the safety of our children, how many more lives are going to be taken so young and tragically?? How many more innocent parents have to feel the blow of that dreaded knock on the door.
Posted by: proff, grays on 9:41pm Sat 29 Mar 08
one last comment to essex boy
one day my son you might have the luck to come before a magistrate who you have been annoying with your souped up tin cans and he might use his powers to give you the stiffest sentance
i think that would change your attitude a lot also you never know where a magistrate lives or who is one if it were me 6 months behind bars with the real essex boys would sort you out
one last comment to essex boy
one day my son you might have the luck to come before a magistrate who you have been annoying with your souped up tin cans and he might use his powers to give you the stiffest sentance
i think that would change your attitude a lot also you never know where a magistrate lives or who is one if it were me 6 months behind bars with the real essex boys would sort you out
Posted by: mbesses, Chafford on 9:58am Sun 30 Mar 08
There are several points that I think the first poster fails to realise.
Firstly the noise that is generated by the so-called “cruise” can be heard for miles! – I live at the rear of Chafford Hundred towards Grays and can hear the noise. Secondly it is not a leisurely cruise but on most occasions turns into three lane drag racing and time trials on a public road. I often come back from visiting friends and avoid that turning on the A13 because you can unknowingly become trapped or stuck in this “Cruise” and race and I’ve seen cars and drivers intimidated by the “cruisers” who drive up their rear, flash and beep at them because they are interrupting their “racing”.
I would actually be in favour of that junction being closed on weekend evenings or some serious traffic calming measures being put in place. Unfortunately if you look at that strip of road they have built the perfect boy racer time trial drag strip and the only way to stop it will be to make driving in a straight line at 100 mph possible.
There is nothing wrong about a “boy” working for his money and having pride in your vehicle to be admired, however as with many things now-a-days what YOU want to do impacts others people and is selfish and dangerous. There is no regard for the people whom your noise is a nightmare for ( and many people work very hard during the week so asking for some peace and quite late at night at the weekend is hardly a lot to ask for ) or understanding that this is a public road not a personal playground for boy racers.
It’s about time the Police did something, To be honest it has taken them the best part of four months to get round to doing anything and their performance with dealing with this matter to date has hardly been great. They seem more concerned about not causing upset with boy racers and infringing their human rights than getting rid of a problem that is getting many local residents exasperated. It’s funny how they are so able to motivate themselves to put speed cameras up on the residents roads round Chafford Hundred to catch people out and make some easy money but less so to get the very same camera’s out over the bridge when the boys are drag racing.
There are several points that I think the first poster fails to realise.
Firstly the noise that is generated by the so-called “cruise” can be heard for miles! – I live at the rear of Chafford Hundred towards Grays and can hear the noise. Secondly it is not a leisurely cruise but on most occasions turns into three lane drag racing and time trials on a public road. I often come back from visiting friends and avoid that turning on the A13 because you can unknowingly become trapped or stuck in this “Cruise” and race and I’ve seen cars and drivers intimidated by the “cruisers” who drive up their rear, flash and beep at them because they are interrupting their “racing”.
I would actually be in favour of that junction being closed on weekend evenings or some serious traffic calming measures being put in place. Unfortunately if you look at that strip of road they have built the perfect boy racer time trial drag strip and the only way to stop it will be to make driving in a straight line at 100 mph possible.
There is nothing wrong about a “boy” working for his money and having pride in your vehicle to be admired, however as with many things now-a-days what YOU want to do impacts others people and is selfish and dangerous. There is no regard for the people whom your noise is a nightmare for ( and many people work very hard during the week so asking for some peace and quite late at night at the weekend is hardly a lot to ask for ) or understanding that this is a public road not a personal playground for boy racers.
It’s about time the Police did something, To be honest it has taken them the best part of four months to get round to doing anything and their performance with dealing with this matter to date has hardly been great. They seem more concerned about not causing upset with boy racers and infringing their human rights than getting rid of a problem that is getting many local residents exasperated. It’s funny how they are so able to motivate themselves to put speed cameras up on the residents roads round Chafford Hundred to catch people out and make some easy money but less so to get the very same camera’s out over the bridge when the boys are drag racing.
Posted by: Lou-lou, essex on 10:16pm Sun 30 Mar 08
I live in south ockendon & im sick to death of being kept awake until 4am on a friday or saturday night by these boy racers, selfish idiots. Also i was driving along the A13 in my car & about 40 boy racers over took us at some speed with their wide boy exhausts. They have these so called meets then they go on to thrash these pile of **** motors up & down the M25 & A13, get a life you idiots.
I live in south ockendon & im sick to death of being kept awake until 4am on a friday or saturday night by these boy racers, selfish idiots. Also i was driving along the A13 in my car & about 40 boy racers over took us at some speed with their wide boy exhausts. They have these so called meets then they go on to thrash these pile of **** motors up & down the M25 & A13, get a life you idiots.
Posted by: Sue on 11:54am Mon 31 Mar 08
Years ago when kids had to buy and maintain their cars, we used to drive to southend and drive up and down the sea-front. if you were lucky to have a car that was 'customised' all the better. We didn't annoy people with noisy exhausts or stereos blasting out. We took care of or cars and respected others. However, times have changed... It's a shame that these kids can't use Arena Essex to cruise round (obviously on ceratin nights) so it could be policed carefully. That way they could show off to their hearts content without being too much of a nuisance. We used to drive to SantaPod race track in Bedford occasionally to see how 'quick' our old bangers were. These were fun times. Note to Essex Enthusiast - glad you're working and can afford to buy and run a car but please try to be a little more considerate to others. When you're older and have a family (maybe) you will object to things like this especially if you have to get up early to go to work or have young children who can't sleep.
Years ago when kids had to buy and maintain their cars, we used to drive to southend and drive up and down the sea-front. if you were lucky to have a car that was 'customised' all the better. We didn't annoy people with noisy exhausts or stereos blasting out. We took care of or cars and respected others. However, times have changed... It's a shame that these kids can't use Arena Essex to cruise round (obviously on ceratin nights) so it could be policed carefully. That way they could show off to their hearts content without being too much of a nuisance. We used to drive to SantaPod race track in Bedford occasionally to see how 'quick' our old bangers were. These were fun times. Note to Essex Enthusiast - glad you're working and can afford to buy and run a car but please try to be a little more considerate to others. When you're older and have a family (maybe) you will object to things like this especially if you have to get up early to go to work or have young children who can't sleep.
Posted by: Kerry, C100 on 2:25pm Mon 31 Mar 08
When I come home late at night along the A126 at weekends the "boy racers" are often there. This isn't a one night a week "Cruise" and has been going on long before Christmas. Some were even there on Christmas Day!!!! I have a "hot hatch" myself but it doesn't mean I go around in a cruise and cause a nuisance and danger to other road users and residents of C100, Grays and the South Ockendon areas. On the 22nd March 2008 I nearly ran some stupid idiot over as he was running across the A126. There were parked cars along the slow lane of the road from the A13 and parked cars along the "fast" lane in the chevrons coming from Lakeside. I called the police but I doubt they even turned up as I could still hear the racing and drifting around the roundabouts continously when I reached home!
When I come home late at night along the A126 at weekends the "boy racers" are often there. This isn't a one night a week "Cruise" and has been going on long before Christmas. Some were even there on Christmas Day!!!! I have a "hot hatch" myself but it doesn't mean I go around in a cruise and cause a nuisance and danger to other road users and residents of C100, Grays and the South Ockendon areas. On the 22nd March 2008 I nearly ran some stupid idiot over as he was running across the A126. There were parked cars along the slow lane of the road from the A13 and parked cars along the "fast" lane in the chevrons coming from Lakeside. I called the police but I doubt they even turned up as I could still hear the racing and drifting around the roundabouts continously when I reached home!
Posted by: Essex Girl, Stanford-le-Hope on 4:51pm Mon 31 Mar 08
Essex enthusiast - you are the epitome of chavvy boy racer and I take it as an insult that you call yourself an enthusiast of any kind!
You have no right to say what you said and everyone's comments have been spot on.
I admittedly am one of those people who spends my hard earned money on modifying my car and although I haven't at the moment, I will be getting a new exhaust system and filter that will make my car a little louder than it should be but the reason for me changing it is to improve fuel efficiency and emissions. Not because I want to go around terrorising the general public!
Sadly people who like to go and just meet their friends and admire what other people have done to their vehicles get labelled with those who just want to go screaming round the local roads with no respect for the law or the general public. I would like to state that not all of us who modify our cars are chavvy boy/girl racers!
I do apologise to those who have to put up with the noise and hopefully, the more of you complain, the sooner someone will do something about helping those of us who are genuine enthusiasts in finding somewhere to go.
All I ask is that you don't tarnish us all with the same brush. Thank you.
Essex enthusiast - you are the epitome of chavvy boy racer and I take it as an insult that you call yourself an enthusiast of any kind!
You have no right to say what you said and everyone's comments have been spot on.
I admittedly am one of those people who spends my hard earned money on modifying my car and although I haven't at the moment, I will be getting a new exhaust system and filter that will make my car a little louder than it should be but the reason for me changing it is to improve fuel efficiency and emissions. Not because I want to go around terrorising the general public!
Sadly people who like to go and just meet their friends and admire what other people have done to their vehicles get labelled with those who just want to go screaming round the local roads with no respect for the law or the general public. I would like to state that not all of us who modify our cars are chavvy boy/girl racers!
I do apologise to those who have to put up with the noise and hopefully, the more of you complain, the sooner someone will do something about helping those of us who are genuine enthusiasts in finding somewhere to go.
All I ask is that you don't tarnish us all with the same brush. Thank you.
Posted by: Essex Girl, Stanford-le-Hope on 4:51pm Mon 31 Mar 08
Essex enthusiast - you are the epitome of chavvy boy racer and I take it as an insult that you call yourself an enthusiast of any kind!
You have no right to say what you said and everyone's comments have been spot on.
I admittedly am one of those people who spends my hard earned money on modifying my car and although I haven't at the moment, I will be getting a new exhaust system and filter that will make my car a little louder than it should be but the reason for me changing it is to improve fuel efficiency and emissions. Not because I want to go around terrorising the general public!
Sadly people who like to go and just meet their friends and admire what other people have done to their vehicles get labelled with those who just want to go screaming round the local roads with no respect for the law or the general public. I would like to state that not all of us who modify our cars are chavvy boy/girl racers!
I do apologise to those who have to put up with the noise and hopefully, the more of you complain, the sooner someone will do something about helping those of us who are genuine enthusiasts in finding somewhere to go.
All I ask is that you don't tarnish us all with the same brush. Thank you.
Essex enthusiast - you are the epitome of chavvy boy racer and I take it as an insult that you call yourself an enthusiast of any kind!
You have no right to say what you said and everyone's comments have been spot on.
I admittedly am one of those people who spends my hard earned money on modifying my car and although I haven't at the moment, I will be getting a new exhaust system and filter that will make my car a little louder than it should be but the reason for me changing it is to improve fuel efficiency and emissions. Not because I want to go around terrorising the general public!
Sadly people who like to go and just meet their friends and admire what other people have done to their vehicles get labelled with those who just want to go screaming round the local roads with no respect for the law or the general public. I would like to state that not all of us who modify our cars are chavvy boy/girl racers!
I do apologise to those who have to put up with the noise and hopefully, the more of you complain, the sooner someone will do something about helping those of us who are genuine enthusiasts in finding somewhere to go.
All I ask is that you don't tarnish us all with the same brush. Thank you.
Posted by: Sue on 8:42pm Mon 31 Mar 08
Well done to Essex Girl for speaking up! You are right to ask that not everyone is tarred with the same brush as it can easily happen. happy driving!
Well done to Essex Girl for speaking up! You are right to ask that not everyone is tarred with the same brush as it can easily happen. happy driving!
Posted by: Frank, Ockendon on 9:19pm Mon 31 Mar 08
Just wanted to add that I phoned the police many times about the noise and on one occasion the officer actually implied that the noise was all in my mind and that they had had no complaints ever about anyone racing - this was sometime end Feb. I'm just sooooo glad this is real and (hopefully) is getting sorted and I'm not a nutcase after all (ok maybe that's debatable) - toodlepip everyone just off to feed my baby aliens dribble dribble xx
Just wanted to add that I phoned the police many times about the noise and on one occasion the officer actually implied that the noise was all in my mind and that they had had no complaints ever about anyone racing - this was sometime end Feb. I'm just sooooo glad this is real and (hopefully) is getting sorted and I'm not a nutcase after all (ok maybe that's debatable) - toodlepip everyone just off to feed my baby aliens dribble dribble xx
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