AN OPERATION to crack down on boy racers has been launched by police in Clacton town centre.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Matt Ladkin organised the campaign, named Operation Lampoon, following complaints from residents about antisocial driving by young motorists in the resort.

Officers converged on hotspots across the town on Wednesday night in a bid to target antisocial driving and vehicles with illegal modifications.

During the four-hour operation with Essex Police’s mobile support division, which included three road policing units and an unmarked police car, officers handed out seven £30 fixed penalty notices for offences such as drivers not wearing seat belts.

Four £60 notices, which include three penalty points, were given out for offences such as speeding and illegal modifications.

Two men were arrested in relation to the theft of a car and another was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

PC Andy Aguda, neighbourhood specialist officer for central Clacton, said the main problem was with vehicles congregating in central Pier Avenue.

He said other hotspots included Holland-on-Sea seafront and Brook Retail Park.

“We are not trying to target the lads or girls who take pride in their cars, for who it is a hobby and want to show their cars off,” he said. “That in itself is not antisocial.”

“It becomes a concern when it is done antisocially with wheel spinning, speeding and driving in a manner that risks accidents or causes a nuisance to other road users and residents."

As well as the campaign to increase road safety by educating the young drivers, officers are also calling for cars to be banned from the central section of Pier Avenue at night.

PC Aguda said, from a policing point of view, extending the current restrictions in Pier Avenue, which are in place from 10am to 4pm, would break up the circuit used by boy racers.

Delivery vehicles, buses, taxis and disabled drivers should still be allowed to use the road, he added.

It is hoped the operation can be repeated regularly in a bid to drive the message home to young motorists that they must drive responsibly.