Dartford MP condemns 'selfish behaviour' of boy racers in Greenhithe as police step up patrols following second weekend of disruption
An MP has condemned the "selfish behaviour" of boy racers after police seized a vehicle and dispersed others following another late night car meet up in Greenhithe.
Police were called to Charles Street, near the Burger King, around 10pm on Saturday following reports vehicles were driving dangerously.
Patrols attended and, upon their arrival, most of the group dispersed.
Officers spoke with three motorists who were warned about their behaviour and immediately left the area.
The previous night police were called to the same area following similar reports and seized a vehicle as a result.
It comes after an incident the previous weekend in which officers were called to a large car meet up, estimated to be attended by around 30 cars, and fined five men in breach of Coronavirus regulations.
Disgruntled residents took to social media to vent their frustration at what they claim is a regular occurrence on roads near the fast food chain.
One said: "Boy racers up and down crossways....again. Is anything ever going to be done about this?
"It's absolutely ridiculous! Every bloody week they're here and nothing is done about it."
Another added: "We’ve had four years of this. Not sure how much more I can take."
Locals have become increasingly alarmed at the presence of "boy racers" close to where a man was killed on a pedestrian crossing four years ago.
Kent County councillor for Swanscombe and Greenhithe, Peter Harman has previously spoken out on the issue after receiving several reports of anti-social driving in the Crossways Boulevard area.
Cllr Harman was alerted by worried residents about the initial incident in which drivers were fined last month.
He said: "Outside Burger King there was four police cars and as the cars were coming along they were semi-blocking the road.
"I went to check the Screwfix site and in there was about a dozen more cars."
The Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents' Association Cllr believes the motorists saw the police presence before deciding to hide.
He added: "It is very frustrating. I feel for young people but Covid has affected so many."
Last summer it was reported how a noisy meet of up to 200 vehicles was said to regularly take place at the business park in Quadrant Court, off Crossways.
Cllr Harman led a campaign for a dispersal order and landowners agreed to put a security guard in place - although this arrangement is understood to have since lapsed.
The KCC councillor has written to the local MP Gareth Johnson to seek his support for more enforcement powers and to work with police to tackle the problem.
Dartford's MP has previously intervened and set up meetings with the Borough Commander and local councillors to clampdown on the behaviour.
But Mr Johnson says the force faces continued challenges in responding to all events due to the ad hoc nature of gatherings.
He said: "I have spoken to Kent Police about this selfish behaviour from a group of motorists that causes alarm and concern for local residents.
"To be fair to Kent Police they have responded in a robust and swift manner but it is challenging for them when these events happen without notice."
Meanwhile Cllr Harman has called for tougher measures, put forward by residents, to be put in place.
These include more speed cameras, section 59 notices confiscating cars from repeat offenders and installing automatic gates with swipe card access on trading estates, to monitor vehicles.
He added: "I feel for the police but I think with that level of crime... they have power, they should take action."
Kent Police says a review of the circumstances is taking place and proportionate enforcement action will be taken against any identified suspects.
Increased patrols will take place this weekend and officers have also met with the managers of a nearby business park to discuss security arrangements.
Anyone with a concern is encouraged to report it via the Kent Police website, or by calling 101.