Boy racers and dangerous drivers could face penalties of up to £1,000 under new proposals.

Dartford council is inviting people to share their views on plans for a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle anti-social driving.

Late night car meet ups, particularly in the Crossways Boulevard area of Greenhithe, have caused residents years of misery.

Neighbours say they are frequently kept up at night by loud street racing with some comparing it to a “knock-off Fast and Furious”.

The problems, which typically arise over the weekend, sees modified cars whizzing up and down the busy dual carriageway between the Dartford Crossing and Bluewater shopping centre at speeds of up to 80mph. The speed limit is 40mph.

There has also been reports of cars using the ScrewFix car park at Quadrant Court, or Asda to perform “driving stunts” such as wheel spinning and “doughnuting”.

The council says it realises that communities want more to be done to tackle this issue but before it can act, it is asking residents and businesses to share their experience.

Boy racers could be targeted under new PSPO powers

A provisional PSPO will give the council and police new powers, including the ability to dish out on-the-spot fines of up to £100 – reduced to £60 if paid within 10 days.

Breach is considered a criminal offence and could be subject to prosecution leading to a maximum penalty of £1,000.

The order outlines a list of behaviours that vehicle owners would no longer be able to carry out, without facing punishment.

These include car cruising, wheel spins, racing and performing stunts, along with the recording of these types of activities.

Leader of the the Council Jeremy Kite said: “The council doesn’t want to get in the way of people enjoying themselves, but using public highways to race near people’s homes and businesses is unacceptable.

“There are places where these kinds of meet ups can take place safely, so that car enthusiasts can enjoy themselves freely without endangering pedestrians’ lives or causing a nuisance to nearby properties.

“I’d encourage residents to respond to this consultation and to share it, so that we can be fully informed of local people’s views before approving the PSPO.”

So far police have only been able to issue dispersal orders to try to tackle the problem.

Between November 2010 and October 2021 nearly 200 calls were made to Kent Police complaining of anti-social behaviour on Dartford roads.

Just under half of those calls (45%) relate to Crossways Boulevard.

Last year the council introduced a PSPO in the town centre to tackle anti-social behaviour with similar issues reportedly taking place in the Sainsbury’s car park.

The council are proposing that the latest order lasts for three years, at which point it will decide whether to renew it in consultation with residents.

To view the proposed PSPO and respond to the survey, click here.

The survey closes at 4pm on April 1, after which a further paper will be presented to Cabinet with the outcomes of the consultation and recommendations.