Police issue further warning to 'boy racers' over nuisance driving reports in Crossways Boulevard, Greenhithe
Published: 15:14, 06 September 2022
Updated: 15:14, 06 September 2022
Noisy drivers speeding up and down a busy dual carriageway have been told to stop or risk being slapped with £100 fines under a new "boy racer" ban.
Police were called to Crossways Boulevard, Greenhithe over the weekend following reports of yet more nuisance drivers.
Officers attended the scene near the Dartford Crossing shortly after 11pm on Sunday but said no offences were seen being committed.
Police spoke to those in the area and provided them with words of advice.
It's the second consecutive weekend calls have been logged over the road locals have dubbed "Tour de Crossways" in reference to several incidents of anti-social driving and groups of so-called "boy racers".
Over the bank holiday weekend, a dispersal order was put in place after a convoy of at least 10 vehicles were seen whizzing up and down the busy dual carriageway.
Neighbours have long complained of modified cars speeding along roads near Bluewater shopping centre at speeds of up to 80mph. The speed limit is 40mph.
One former resident, who has since moved away from the area due to the noise, even likened it to "living on the set of a knock-off Fast and Furious".
There have also been reports of cars using the ScrewFix car park at Quadrant Court, or Asda to perform “driving stunts” such as wheel spinning and “doughnutting”.
Dartford council recently authorised a new public space protection order (PSPO) to cover the area and tackle anti-social meets.
The order gives police new powers, including the ability to dish out on-the-spot fines of up to £100 – reduced to £60 if paid within 10 days.
When it was issued council leader Jeremy Kite (Con) urged patience and explained the PSPO was "only part of the solution".
Asked at the time whether noise cameras might be an additional tool to put at the council and police's disposal in Dartford, Cllr Kite responded "nothing was off the table" – but it was not something currently being considered.
Following this weekend's reports police have once again declared their willingness to take action where warranted under the new powers.
Kent Police community safety unit inspector Trevor Jenner said: "We are aware of residents’ concerns regarding nuisance vehicles in the area.
"We are continuing to monitor the area closely with regular patrols and should we witness any anti-social behaviour being committed by groups of drivers we will be seeking to enforce the Public Space Protection Order which covers the area which could see drivers being issued with £100 fines."
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Sean Delaney