Boy racer clampdown by Mansfield police

Boy racers who soup-up their vehicles are running the risk of driving illegally, Mansfield's leading officer has said as the force moves to clamps down on reckless motorists.

Following complaints and concerns from residents, officers in the town are now conducting weekly patrols to make sure modified vehicles are not breaking the law.

Inspector Nick Butler, district commander, said: “Because of the number of complaints, we are doing this every week.

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“One complaint is that we seem to be getting is people with modified exhausts and causing a nuisance, we’ve issued ticket for that offence already.

“Because of this we go out every week on a morning or an evening looking for these offences.

“We’ll be clamping down because some are not telling their insurance companies.

“Some of these modifications are just dangerous, like modifying the engines to make them more powerful.

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“Some of these drivers remove silencers and are lowering suspension, which is a very common one, but it can change the dynamics of the cars and can affect the way they brake and the way they handle.

“I can understand why people enjoy driving powerful vehicles but this is about breaking the law and keeping people safe.”

Drivers are being urged to check the law and with their insurance companies before taking their vehicles out onto the road

This can include altering exhaust systems, number plates, brakes, suspension, wheels and tyres, lights and reflectors, engines and the installation of in-car entertainment, including TVs, monitors or games consoles.

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Insp Butler says officers are also keen to halt anti-social behaviour involved with car cruising.

This involved large numbers of motorists gathering in car parks on an evening, particularly Sainsbury’s in Mansfield.

He said: “When they congregate, it can cause anti-social behaviour and they can be issued with community protection notice, and if they do it again, it’s an instant fine.

“We’re not saying people can’t meet up or congregate but if it’s associated with anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving then we will intervene.”

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