Police's new kit to tackle cruising headache (From Thurrock Gazette)

Police's new kit to tackle cruising headache

3:20pm Friday 27th July 2012 in News

BOY racers, with modified cars and exhaust amplifiers, are causing “misery” to Chafford Hundred residents.

Cruisers meet at car parks dotted around Lakeside shopping centre late at night over the weekend before taking to local roads to race or show off.

Residents and councillors have spoken out against the noise, which can be heard deep into Chafford Hundred.

Charlie Key, ward councillor for Chafford South, said: “The issue of racing in the Lakeside area has been going on for a number of years, but still we get complaints from residents deep inside Chafford Hundred who can hear the noise of racing cars from quite a distance away.

“Cllr Tunde Ojetola and Jackie Doyle-Price MP have worked hard to get restrictions put in place on the A126 to clampdown on the racing in that area.

“We continue to work alongside the police and Operation Wagtail to prevent this nuisance affecting the residents of Chafford Hundred and the surrounding areas.”

Essex Police have announced they have a new device, aimed at tackling the noise from modified cars. The audio analysers can measure exhaust noise output and prosecute motorists who are breaching regulations.

Police say they will be using the kit in targeted operations at Lakeside and other known boy racer hotspots.

Road Policing Sergeant Simon Willsher said: “Drivers need to be aware of the consequences of their anti-social behaviour and consider the impact of their actions to residents and local people. Offending will land anti-social drivers in court.

“We can use these sound kits to reassure the public and demonstrate the police action when complaints are received.”

One Chafford Hundred resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s a constant droning all weekend.”