Threat to seize cars in Welshpool boy racer crackdown

Dyfed-Powys Police has issued the warning after outcry from residents that the town's Berriew Street car park and one-way system is transformed into a motor racing circuit at night.

It comes as police revealed some young drivers have approached officers to express their "disgust" at the boy racers giving all young drivers a bad name.

Temporary Inspector Darren Brown, of Welshpool Police, said: "Welshpool police officers and members of Mid Wales Roads Policing Unit continue to work together to tackle instances of anti-social driving in the area.

"There are a minority of young drivers who drive at speed and behave in an anti-social manner. This is not just a problem locally in Welshpool, but takes place in towns and cities across the country.

"Officers have also worked with the Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to highlight the dangers of poor driving to young people. This education has been well received by those who have attended.

"It is important that police engage with young drivers in order to explain the importance of safe driving. It is also important to remember that it is a minority of young drivers who drive in an unacceptable manner. Some young drivers have expressed their disgust to police regarding their peers who drive in an anti-social manner and therefore 'give them all a bad name'.

"Through this positive engagement with young people police also gain intelligence on any vehicles and drivers that need to be targeted."

Mr Brown added: "Through our positive action a number of young drivers have been given a warning under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. These warnings can be issued when there is evidence that a young person has driven in an anti-social manner and driven in a careless or inconsiderate manner.

"Those drivers that have been issued with a warning face prosecution and their vehicle being seized should they be caught driving in a similar manner again. Whenever evidence of offences exists positive action will be taken against these drivers.

"Powys County Council own Berriew Street Car Park which is currently the hotspot for youth racers to congregate in Welshpool. Police are aware of the problems that some members of the community experience due to the driving that takes place in this area. We have passed on community concerns and those of our own to Powys County Council so that they too can look at the issues and consider what they can do to help resolve the communities problems and work in partnership with the police.

"Welshpool Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Mid Wales Roads Policing Unit are routinely patrolling the area at peak times and are working with partners to explore other preventative measures to the problem, including CCTV. The number of incidents reported to police about this issue is low however we continue to ask members of the public to contact us should they witness anti –social driving so that offenders can be dealt with effectively."