A RACER has been banned for a year after he was caught on camera braking and suddenly accelerating dangerously on the A13.

Taxi driver Ahmed Khan, 25, forced other vehicles to take emergency action to avoid collisions.

He was captured on camera by an unmarked police car slowing to speeds of as low as 27mph on the 70mph carriageway in West Thurrock to create space for racing.

Khan was then recorded undertaking and overtaking erratically as he took part in speed trials in his blue Honda Integra, alongside another car, in May last year.

At Colchester Magistrates’ Court, Khan, of Waverley Gardens, Barking, admitted racing on a public highway.

Sergeant Simon Willsher, of Essex Police’s casualty reduction unit, said: “People who are willing to drive in a dangerous and anti-social manner at car meets around the county will find themselves in court facing driving bans, fines and points on their driving licences.

“Whilst most cruisers are genuine car enthusiasts who abide by the law and respect local communities, some put themselves and innocent members of the public at risk by racing and performing other stunts.

“We will continue to deal with such drivers robustly and they too can expect themselves in court.”

Khan was also fined £300 and ordered to pay £90 costs.

The other driver, a 32-year-old man from Kent, pleaded guilty to the same charge and was also disqualified for 12 months.

The conviction comes days after two men were seriously injured during a cruising event at Lakeside Retail Park.

A 21-year-old motorcyclist from Billericay and a 19-year-old pedestrian from London were both taken to hospital after a collision.

The rider suffered cuts and bruises and the pedestrian a fractured leg after the incident in West Thurrock Way on April 11.

There were 400 to 500 people watching the event.

Chief Inspector Leigh Norris, Thurrock district commander, said: "Street racing poses not only a danger to other road users but also the surrounding road networks and to those using the footpaths and local leisure facilities.”

Police have pledged to use dispersal orders to break up cruising events if necessary.