CCTV cameras to thwart the actions of boy racers

Tuesday, 22 May 2012 13:17

Mayo County Council is to locate the units at known locations where the racers operate under the cover of darkness and the video footage will be forwarded to the gardaí.

Trademark doughnuts are increasingly visible across the country, leaving local authorities with the burden of repairing the damage in the process.

The estimated cost of repairing junctions is anywhere from €500 to €1,200.

Residents say their lives have been turned into ‘a living nightmare’ by the young nuisance drivers racing, skidding, honking horns, flashing lights and blaring loud music.

Locals fear someone will be killed or injured unless a stop is put to the practice.

One resident said his life is being made a misery by speeding drivers doing handbrake turns and donuts at a junction close to his house.

“They spin the car round and round in the junction four or five times, creating a huge screeching noise and burning rubber,” he added.

“I really don't know how they can afford to keep replacing the tyres. I'm positive somebody at some point is going to be killed.

“They just have no regard for safety, oncoming drivers or pedestrians. From 1 a.m. you'll be woken up.”

Noel Gibbons, road safety officer with Mayo County Council, said: “While the tyre marks are vandalising public property, the dangers posed are of much more concern.

“There is also an issue of parental responsibility. I would appeal directly to parents of these drivers to stop turning a blind eye to what’s going on and do not allow their sons or daughters access to a vehicle.

“Thirty-eight per cent of those killed on our roads last year were under 25 years of age. We want young people to be aware of their speed, and our message is if you must speed take it on to a race track.”

Western Region Traffic Superintendent Martin Cashen added: “Our focus is very much on anti-social behaviour and just dealing with the issues that make people’s lives miserable

“Another problem we face is the reluctance of local residents to report this type of driving.

“We are asking people to report these things but if they rely on other people and don't do it themselves, the problem will continue. The more reports we receive the more we can do something about it.”

Members of the public can report traffic-related incidents using the Traffic Watch lo-call number 1890 205 805.

These calls are answered and logged by civilian personnel at the Garda Information Services Centre, Castlebar.