An MP is calling on a council to do more to protect residents from boy racers.

Tristan Osborne (Lab) wants Tonbridge and Malling council to take further action to enforce its borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on the A228 between Holborough Lakes and Snodland town centre.

Mr Osborne, who replaced Tracey Crouch as MP for Chatham and Aylesford at last July’s general election, said: “Last weekend, people living in Snodland and the villages were once again blighted by the sound of car engines and dangerous and irresponsible boy racer drivers.

“This has become a consistent issue in both written correspondence I receive and also at the community events I have held across the Snodland in recent weeks.”

The council has already taken action against car meet-ups and anti-social behaviour.

In February, in a joint operation with police, the council targeted anti-social driving on the A228 between Snodland and Halling and the East Peckham bypass.

Officers took the details of 15 vehicles suspected to be breaching the conditions of the PSPO in place for the whole of Tonbridge and Malling borough. The drivers face a £100 fine.

One driver was issued with a section 59 notice because of the manner of his driving, which means if he is found in similar circumstances within the next 12 months his vehicle can be seized.

But it seems that has not been sufficient.

One Snodland resident, who wanted to be known only by his first name of Gianluca, said: “The noise from these gatherings has woken up young children and is causing widespread stress and anxiety among residents.

“It is deeply frustrating that law-abiding drivers face penalties like fines and points for minor speeding offences, yet these delinquents act with apparent impunity, seemingly unafraid of arrest or fines.”

The residents’ cause has been taken up by Cllr Paul Hickmott, the Labour leader at Tonbridge and Malling and ward councillor for Snodland West and Holborough Lakes.

He said: “It is not every weekend but it has been going on, on and off, for a year.

“They race down the A228 from the Peters Village junction to the Shell garage making a hell of a noise that can be heard right across the town.

“There are usually 10 or more cars involved and a group of onlookers gathers outside the McDonald’s to watch.

“I know the police and council have taken some action but it is clearly not enough. The problem has not been solved.

“That’s why I want a meeting of all the parties involved to hammer out what extra measures can be taken.”

Cllr Hickmott has tabled a “Councillor’s Call For Action”.

That is a formal power granted by the government within the Police and Criminal Justice Act regarding crime and disorder issues, where persistent behaviours continue and where improvements are not being perceived.

Cllr Hickmott said: “Putting up new displays and signs does not appear to be making a difference. We need concerted action and to deploy CCTV so we can get an increased seizure of nuisance vehicles.”

Mr Osborne said he backed the move.

He said: “The Councillor Call for Action has my full support and I encourage the community to write to their local councillors to enforce the PSPO, contribute to Facebook forums, and engage the police and crime commissioner to raise their concerns.

“It’s time for proper enforcement. Residents should not have to suffer sleepless nights and fear walking the streets due to reckless drivers.”

The problem of boy racers and car meets tends to move around.

In February last year, New Hythe Lane in Larkfield seemed to be the centre of their attention.

At that time, the police and council issued 40 fixed penalty notices of £100 to individuals that attended the meet-ups and dispersal orders were put in place. But it seems the problem has just shifted to Snodland.

Cllr Hickmott has asked the council administration to provide details of the action it has taken.

He said: “I want to know how many joint operations there have been between council enforcement officers and police in Snodland since April last year.

“How many fixed penalty notices have been issued by the council for off-road biking and nuisance boy racing since then?

“The number of Dispersal Zones issued in conjunction with the council by Kent Police for the A228 and the number of council-led applications for court orders against persistent offenders that are a risk to life?

Ban offender vehicles from parking on public highways

“I also want to know whether the council has deployed its mobile CCTV cameras for up to six months in locations in Snodland.”

Cllr Hickmott said the council should add extra powers to the PSPO to include a ban on registered offender’s vehicles accessing and parking on public highways; including anywhere that is covered but open to the air on at least one side, where the public have access or are permitted to use with or without payment.

His suggestions will be considered at a meeting of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee.

In 2023, the local authority bought four mobile CCTV cameras at a cost of £20,000. They can be deployed to locations known for anti-social behaviour for up to six months.

The council encourages residents to play an active role by reporting incidents of antisocial behaviour to its community safety partnership team via the council website here.

Kent Police has its own mechanism for reporting antisocial behaviour. It encourages people to sign up to My Community Voice, both to report problems and to receive messages directly from the police about matters in their community.

For details on how to join My Community Voice, visit here.

Tonbridge and Mailling council said it had issued seven Dispersal Orders in the Snodland area over the past year, requiring groups to leave the area.

A spokesman said: “Following the incidents in Snodland at the Easter weekend, we are looking at what further steps we and our partners can take to stop this nuisance activity.”