Boy racers risking lives by speeding way through this tunnel
racers are putting lives at risk by speeding through a tunnel in the Staffordshire Moorlands countryside before sharing the footage on social media.
Police are stepping up patrols around Swainsley Tunnel in the Manifold Valley, between Wetton and Ecton, near Leek, following reports of cars and motorbikes being driven in an anti-social manner over the weekend.
Villagers say it has become a hotspot for show-offs from outside the area to film themselves tearing down the 150 metre-long tunnel before performing handbrake turns.
Some are hitting speeds of 80mph along the single car width track linking Wetton Mill, Butterton, Ecton and Warslow.
A number of videos have been uploaded to Youtube, Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram although most have since been removed.
A Section 59 sign remains in place warning motorists their vehicle may be seized if their driving is
aggressive or unsafe and if the noise is a causing nuisance such as revving engines and loud stereos.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “Following reports of antisocial behaviour around the area of Swainsley Tunnel, local officers will continue to closely monitor the area to prevent further issues and will take positive action with any offenders.”
The problems with boy racers first started in 2009.
One villager said: “There are two types of drivers.
“The first just want to rev their engines through the tunnel to listen to the noise.
“The other type is the ones who race. They drive as fast as they can and then come back and do a hand brake turn. They usually have someone timing them.
“We have called the police many times, who have been helpful.
“However, by the time they get here, as we are off the beaten track, the drivers have gone.”
The tunnel - which is also popular with ramblers and cyclists - was originally built for the Leek and Manifold Light Railway.
Police are asking residents to call 101 immediately if they see a large amount of car enthusiasts travelling through their villages.
They are also being told to make a note of the registration number of any vehicle seen being driven through the tunnel or Manifold track.