A crackdown on street racing has been called for in an effort to tackle dangerous driving by noisy "boy racers".

Police are set to be handed more powers to break up late night car meets in Dartford involving modified vehicles revving engines and driving at dangerous "time-trial" speeds.

Local councillors and residents speak out over problems cause by noisy "boy racers"

Greenhithe residents say they are frequently kept up at night by loud street racing in Crossways Boulevard with some comparing it to a “knock-off Fast and Furious”.

The problems, which typically arise over the weekend, sees modified cars whizzing up and down the busy dual carriageway between the Dartford Crossing and Bluewater shopping centre at speeds of up to 80mph. The speed limit is 40mph.

There has also been reports of cars using the ScrewFix car park at Quadrant Court, or Asda to perform “driving stunts” such as wheel spinning and “doughnuting”.

So far police have only been able to issue dispersal orders to try to tackle the problem.

Between November 2010 and October 2021 nearly 200 calls were made to Kent Police complaining of anti-social behaviour on Dartford roads.

Just under half of those calls (45%) relate to Crossways Boulevard.

Dartford council’s cabinet advisory panel met to discuss the issue last Thursday where it set out its intention – subject to public consultation – to introduce a public space protection order (PSPO) to give police more power to tackle anti-social gatherings.

If approved, this would involve banning a person from an area for 48 hours, which can be used to prevent large meets.

It would also cover any land within the council’s remit and so it is hoped this will prevent the issue from being moved elsewhere.

A second PSPO will also target off-road motorbikes more generally being used on land without permission from the owner.

The new enforcement powers follow years of efforts to tackle the issue which has plagued residents.

Kent County Councillor Peter Harman says the activities pose a major safety risk.

The Swanscombe & Greenhithe Residents' Association (SGRA) chairman said: "This has been an issue for our residents for over five years now.

"It is a safety issue of cars racing around at up to 80mph on the dual carriageway outside and on top of that it is keeping residents awake."

He praised the council for putting the PSPO in place but said it was "small part of the puzzle" and more efforts would be needed to eradicate the issue fully.

Ingress Park resident Katie Lynch has set up a petition calling on Dartford MP Gareth Johnson, who slammed the "selfish behaviour", to work with police and local councils to monitor the issue.

She said: "It affects thousands of us. It keeps us awake at night. My mum lives in Worcester Park, she can't sleep at night, she can't open her windows.

"Sometimes this goes on until 2am in the morning. You've got parents whose children are woken up by it.

"Not to mention how dangerous it is. It is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt."

In addition to asking residents to report problems and respond to a consultation on the PSPO, the SGRA is also calling for average speed cameras to be put in place.

Last year the council introduced a PSPO in the town centre to tackle anti-social behaviour with similar issues reportedly taking place in the Sainsbury’s car park.

Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite said the latest enforcement action was necessary, adding "it needs to be stamped out once and for all".

The Tory leader said: "We are aware it is a problem and it is really upsetting people.

"The truth is this is a policing issue with people driving manically and badly. We are serious about giving the police powers to deal with it.

Cllr Kite added: "It has taken a while but it has got to be water tight. A lot of work has gone into it."

He said the new PSPO would help aid officers in their efforts to move drivers on and, in certain scenarios, seize vehicles.

However, it was noted in the council report a gathering of vehicles is not in itself unlawful, and there are a large number of car enthusiasts who "wish to meet and do so without any detriment to the surrounding community".

The PSPO seeks to strike a balance by allowing car owners to gather provided they can prove they have specific permission from a landowner.

Failure to follow the rules of a PSPO puts an offender at risk of a £100 fixed penalty notice (FPN), reduced to £60 if paid within 10 days.

A breach is considered a criminal offence and carries a maximum penalty of a £1,000 fine.

The council is currently consulting with local residents and once completed the PSPO will be brought for discussion before cabinet to receive final approval.

To view and comment on the consultation click here.