Motorists using area as 'racetrack' could be fined

Tuscany Way in Altofts has regularly been used for "gatherings" of vehicles being used anti-socially, the authorities say

Fines of up to £1,000 could be issued for anti-social use of a vehicle in a part of Wakefield which councillors claim has become a "racetrack".

A public spaces protection order (PSPO) has been brought in for the Tuscany Way area of Altofts.

The area has been the subject of frequent complaints about vehicles gathering and being used noisily and dangerously, the authorities said.

Any motorist found to be in breach of the PSPO could be given an on-the-spot fine of up to £100, or up to £1,000 if the matter goes to court.

The order will be enforced with regular police patrols.

Maureen Cummings, cabinet member for communities, said the Tuscany Way area was regularly the scene of "ongoing gatherings of performance vehicles and use of the area as a racetrack".

She added: "This leads to a high number of spectators who are parking vehicles on the nearby grass verges. It is not only dangerous but has a detrimental effect on the quality of life and safety of those who live and work in this area.

"The PSPO gives us additional powers to clamp down on this issue, targeting not only participants in the vehicles, but spectators and those who organise such events."

West Yorkshire Police said it hoped the area would "become safer" and that "local businesses are able to operate without the associated disruption and potential danger of anti-social motorists".

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.