BROMSGROVE residents have hit out at ‘boy racers’ who, they claim, are endangering people’s safety and making their lives a misery.
One woman, who did not want to be named, said young people were meeting up in areas, such as Morrisons car park and Sherwood Road and revving their engines before tearing around the district at breakneck speed.
And she said it was not just one area it was happening in – she had also seen it going on in Charford and Sidemoor.
The woman said she has reported numerous incidents to the police, including one at 1am on Tuesday morning (September 9), but nothing seemed to be being done about it.
“The noise is horrendous and they’re all young drivers – I cannot understand how they can afford the insurance premiums on a lot of the vehicles.
“Something needs to be done because it’s not a problem that’s going to go away – if anything, it’s one that’s going to get even bigger.
“I fear it will take a serious accident or a fatal one to get something done.”
She added she had also contacted Worcestershire County Council Highways to see if traffic calming measures could be implemented in Austin Road in Charford but, she said, she had been told by the officers that they did not think it was warranted in that area.
Another resident, Mike Thompson, said: “As a local parent I have been deeply concerned by the actions and behaviour of a select few motorists.
“As the father of two young daughters I have been reticent to let them cross certain roads at night because of this ongoing problem.”
Coun Chris Bloore said he had received several calls from residents in Charford, Sidemoor and Aston Fields complaining about the loud revving of engines late into the night and worries over dangerous driving.
After being alerted to the situation, Supt Kevin Purcell, the head of policing in North Worcestershire, said: “A policing operation will be started in direct response to the complaints from Bromsgrove residents.”
He added that drivers were being warned that the operation would include speed enforcement, style of driving and construction and use issues.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said some Section 59 orders had been issued to some people who had been caught driving eratically.
The order, which lasts for 12 months, forbids the motorist and the car to be driven in an anti-social way. And, if it happens again, the police are able to seize the vehicle.
Mr Thompson welcomed the police’s vow and added: “There is nothing more important than the safety of our children.”
And Coun Bloore said: “I know residents have been frustrated with the police’s response in the past but I think this is an excellent example of them now listening to local people and taking direct action – I’m hopeful of a positive outcome.”
Editor’s comment,
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