12:12pm Friday 4th July 2008
A BOY racer in Chepstow had his car seized after police caught him driving dangerously at the same spot twice in just 28 hours.
Police have run a month-long operation targetting boy racers and dangerous drivers in the town.
The operation centred on Welsh Street car park which has become a meeting point for young drivers some of whom are prolific offenders of anti-social behaviour.
Police say they have now identified some of the town's most prolific dangerous driving offenders.
One driver was issued with two section 59 notices within 28 hours, after he was caught driving dangerously twice in the same place. His vehicle was seized.
Police also secured notices of intended prosecution against two motorists for driving without due care and attention, seized and crushed one vehicle for having no insurance and issued section 59 warnings to eight other drivers.
These notices are issued to people driving carelessly or inconsiderately and/or causing the public to fear for their own safety.
If a driver or vehicle is issued with two notices within 12 months, police can confiscate the vehicle. The driver can reclaim it by paying £120, otherwise it will be crushed.
Progress made by local police officers was welcomed by locals.
Ian Merrick, landlord of the Coach and Horses public house which also runs a bed and breakfast said: "I would say the problems have reduced by 75 per cent.
"There is less noise disturbance and my staff and customers now sleep easier and feel a lot safer."
Local resident Mike Price added: "We can now have our windows open in the summer without being disturbed by the noise of cars doing circuits of the town."
Sgt Terry Lowman said: "Not only does this careless use of vehicles cause noise nuisance, but it also puts the driver, other road users and pedestrians in danger.
"Ultimately, driving irresponsibly could result in your vehicle being seized and crushed or worse still, present life-threatening risk."
Chepstow Neighbourhood Policing Team is now liaising with Monmouthshire Council to explore other ways of preventing and deterring such behaviour at Welsh Street car park.
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