£100 fine to keep noisy boy racers quiet

THE sound of engines revving, music boom- ing and boy racers partying late into the night can be the bane of residents’ lives.

But one city has decided to slam the brakes on drivers who behave antisocially – by hitting them with a £100 fine.

Bradford Council has introduced a Public Space Protection Order which gives its officers powers to penalise motorists making too much noise – including shouting, swearing or being sexually suggestive. The measure comes after two-thirds of Bradford residents in a survey of more than 1,200 said nuisance drivers were a problem, with many admitting they felt ‘unsafe’ on the streets.

City of Bradford Council said 76 per cent of residents were in favour of the orders – though others complained the proposals were ‘an infringement of civil liberties’ and could unfairly target car enthusiasts.

Labour councillor Abdul Jabar said: ‘Without the PSPO, it is difficult for the council or police to combat antisocial use of a vehicle which does not constitute a breach of a specific motoring law.

‘Any action we can take to improve this and increase community safety will be of benefit to residents, visitors and businesses.’