Police could get more power to tackle street racing

Anyone caught breaching the orders could be fined £100 or prosecuted, the council warned

Police could be given extra powers to tackle street racing, loud music and large vehicle gatherings, new plans have revealed.

Rochford District Council in Essex is consulting people about using a public spaces protection order (PSPO) to deal with anti-social behaviour.

Areas the orders could be enforced in include Arterial Park in Rayleigh and the A1245.

Anyone caught breaching them could be fined £100 or prosecuted, the council warned.

It issued a list of proposed areas for PSPOs, of which several had been the focus of vehicle nuisance complaints.

They are:

• Richlee Motors layby, Rawreth Lane and Arterial Park, Rayleigh

• Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford

• Beeches Road, Wickford

• Watery Lane, Hullbridge

• Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge

• The A1245

PSPOs can last for up to three years and council officers are also given powers to enforce them.

The council is consulting residents on its proposal until 12 December.

Mike Webb, chairman of the communities, wellbeing and housing committee, said he wanted feedback on whether using a PSPO was an appropriate course of action.

"We need your views to make sure any action we take is genuinely supported by the people it will affect," he added.