Dispersal zones are to be introduced on Medway City Estate, in Strood, and in Hoo to help stop boy racers speeding.

The dispersal areas, which will be in place for six months, will give police more powers to deal with anti-social motorists.

The orders have been put in place in response to concerns raised about drivers racing their cars from Medway City Estate to Hoo.

Officers have been working in the area to advise motorists of the consequences of driving dangerously and acting in an anti-social manner.

Now the dispersal areas will give police more powers to deal with people found causing a nuisance.

They will run from Friday until December 13, and any group of two or more people found causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress in the designated areas can be moved on by officers.

In addition, between 9pm and 6am those aged under 16 and not with an adult can be taken back to their homes.

Failure to comply with the order could lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and or three months’ imprisonment.

The order to introduce the dispersal areas has been jointly authorised by Kent Police and Medway Council under the powers of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

The dispersal areas include: Medway City Estate - Anthonys Way, Enterprise Close, Whitewall Road, Whitewall Way, Sir Thomas Longley Road, Trident Close, Arnolde Close, Maritime Close, George Summers Close, Royal Eagle Close, Clipper Close, Terrance Butler Avenue, Chaucer Close and Culpeper Close.

Hoo – The Ratcliffe Highway (A228), Upchat Road (Chattenden), Kitchener Road (Chattenden), Ropers Lane and Stoke Road.

"Anyone found acting in an anti-social manner will be asked to move on" - Kent Police

Acting Chief Insp Joy Dean, of Medway Community Safety Unit, said: “Kent Police works closely with Medway Council to ensure the towns remain a safe place to live, work and visit.

“The dispersal areas will allow officers to deal with the minority of people who cause a nuisance in the area.

“Anyone found acting in an anti-social manner will be asked to move on.

"We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or the actions of those who affect residents’ quality of life and this is just one tool that will help us tackle nuisance behaviour.

“We will continue to listen to residents’ concerns and do all we can to deal with issues raised in the local communities.”