Menu
04/07/2011
100mph 'Boy Racers' Targeted
Five people were arrested on Saturday, in a police operation to tackle so-called "boy racers" in Newham. Nine cars have now been taken off the streets.
Operation Raw was set up following complaints from Newham residents about gangs who regularly meet and race along the Royal Albert Way.
Police believe almost a third of the vehicles, sometimes numbering more than 200, hit speeds of more than 100mph.
Although often referred to as "boy racers", those involved are aged between 18 and 50.
On Saturday, large numbers of police from the Met's Traffic Unit and Beckton Safer Neighbourhoods Team stopped and warned 75 drivers over traffic related offences.
They were either issued with a summons to appear in court at a later date or issued with a fixed penalty notice. Traffic officers also examined around 75 cars to look for modifications.
Cars are usually modified so they are capable of higher speeds and are often fitted with modified exhausts making them extremely noisy. They also use nitrous oxide to increase acceleration and dangerously bald or 'slick' tyres.
Many of these modifications are illegal. If insurance companies have not been informed, policies may be invalid and vehicles can be seized.
Chief Inspector Dave Moorhead from the Traffic Unit said: "This is an extremely dangerous activity which disturbs residents and puts the lives of other motorists in danger.
"These people have even been known to drop oil on the roads to make it easier to 'drift' on the road surface.
"This is reckless and wholly irresponsible behaviour."
The five men arrested were taken to east London police stations.
(BMcN/GK)
Operation Raw was set up following complaints from Newham residents about gangs who regularly meet and race along the Royal Albert Way.
Police believe almost a third of the vehicles, sometimes numbering more than 200, hit speeds of more than 100mph.
Although often referred to as "boy racers", those involved are aged between 18 and 50.
On Saturday, large numbers of police from the Met's Traffic Unit and Beckton Safer Neighbourhoods Team stopped and warned 75 drivers over traffic related offences.
They were either issued with a summons to appear in court at a later date or issued with a fixed penalty notice. Traffic officers also examined around 75 cars to look for modifications.
Cars are usually modified so they are capable of higher speeds and are often fitted with modified exhausts making them extremely noisy. They also use nitrous oxide to increase acceleration and dangerously bald or 'slick' tyres.
Many of these modifications are illegal. If insurance companies have not been informed, policies may be invalid and vehicles can be seized.
Chief Inspector Dave Moorhead from the Traffic Unit said: "This is an extremely dangerous activity which disturbs residents and puts the lives of other motorists in danger.
"These people have even been known to drop oil on the roads to make it easier to 'drift' on the road surface.
"This is reckless and wholly irresponsible behaviour."
The five men arrested were taken to east London police stations.
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2003
Highway patrol officers set to free up more police resources
The by-ways and bottlenecks of Britain will have a new addition from next year – the Highways Agency traffic officers - who will patrol the nation's motorways twenty-four hours a day.
Highway patrol officers set to free up more police resources
The by-ways and bottlenecks of Britain will have a new addition from next year – the Highways Agency traffic officers - who will patrol the nation's motorways twenty-four hours a day.
30 October 2015
Three People Killed In Welsh Traffic Collision
Three people have been killed in a road traffic collision in Wales, police have said. The incident happened in Tal-y-Bont, Conway, at 8:45pm on 29 October. A woman in her late 50's was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. North Wales Police said the victims' next of kin have been informed.
Three People Killed In Welsh Traffic Collision
Three people have been killed in a road traffic collision in Wales, police have said. The incident happened in Tal-y-Bont, Conway, at 8:45pm on 29 October. A woman in her late 50's was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. North Wales Police said the victims' next of kin have been informed.
21 November 2011
Roads Will Grind To A Halt As Population Rises
The anticipated growth in population in the UK will lead to traffic volume and delays increase by half, according to a report by the RAC Foundation. The report says claims there will be at least four million more cars on the UK’s roads in the next twenty-five years as the population grows by a projected ten million.
Roads Will Grind To A Halt As Population Rises
The anticipated growth in population in the UK will lead to traffic volume and delays increase by half, according to a report by the RAC Foundation. The report says claims there will be at least four million more cars on the UK’s roads in the next twenty-five years as the population grows by a projected ten million.
29 June 2006
Digger driver charged over house 'demolition'
A 52-year-old man has been charged with criminal damage offences after a house and cars were destroyed by a mechanical digger. Robert Taylor, of no fixed address, is due to appear before magistrates in Chelmsford charged with criminal damage with intent to endanger life.
Digger driver charged over house 'demolition'
A 52-year-old man has been charged with criminal damage offences after a house and cars were destroyed by a mechanical digger. Robert Taylor, of no fixed address, is due to appear before magistrates in Chelmsford charged with criminal damage with intent to endanger life.
23 June 2006
SUV drivers 'more likely' to flout road safety laws
Drivers of four-wheel drive vehicles are more likely to flout laws regarding mobile phones and seat belts than drivers of other cars, a study has claimed.
SUV drivers 'more likely' to flout road safety laws
Drivers of four-wheel drive vehicles are more likely to flout laws regarding mobile phones and seat belts than drivers of other cars, a study has claimed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
