Call for PSNI to act against boy racers

Call for PSNI to act against boy racers

16 September 2015

AN appeal has been issued for police to take a tough line with boy racers who are causing weekend mayhem in Ballynahinch.

Residents who live at Lisburn Street say they are afraid to leave their homes fearing they could be knocked down by the speeding drivers.

The motorists congregate at Lisburn Street car park before forming a speeding convoy as they race around the town. Two weekends ago, residents reported seeing around 100 cars — many displaying R plates — at the car park on a Sunday afternoon.

Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, said the PSNI must address the issue, claiming the speeding drivers are putting residents’ lives at risk.

“This problem has been going on for a while, but it appears to be getting worse. In addition to concerns expressed by residents in Ballynahinch, residents in several areas across the district have voiced concern about speeding drivers.

“This is an issue the PSNI must get to grips with before it is too late. The young drivers in Ballynahinch meet at the car park where they rev their engines as loudly as they can before driving off at speed.”

Councillor Walker said many residents have contacted Strangford MP Jim Shannon’s constituency office in Ballynahinch to voice their concern about what is happening and demanding action to be taken against them.

“A number of elderly residents fear someone could be killed by one of these drivers. The situation is now so bad at the weekend that many will not leave their homes. Some of these people use walking aids to get about and are frightened their reactions in the event of a driver losing control of a car would not be quick enough to avoid being struck.”

Councillor Walker is hoping concerns about the speeding issue across the district will be addressed by Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership.

“We cannot allow young people to drive recklessly in our towns and housing estates. It will be too late taking action after someone has been killed or seriously injured,” he declared. “Not only could these young drivers injure a pedestrian, they could injure themselves or other motorists.

“While the PSNI needs to get on top of this problem, these young drivers need to take a hard look at themselves. Not only could they be banned from driving if they seriously injure someone, they could end up in jail. Maybe the prospect of being behind bars will encourage them to slow down and show more respect.”

Councillor Walker has also suggested that the Department of Environment should be asked to test if the cars being driven around Ballynahinch at speed are legal. He said there are suggestions the vehicles may have been modified and do not conform to road regulations.