Footage shows boy racers doing doughnuts on roundabout at Crossways Boulevard, Greenhithe
05:00, 15 October 2022
updated: 10:09, 15 October 2022
Video footage has emerged of "boy racers" performing doughnuts and speeding around a roundabout in front of spectators – some of which had even brought deckchairs.
A convoy of modified vehicles was spotted whizzing up and down – and narrowly missing the traffic – at Crossways Boulevard, Greenhithe.
They can be seen accelerating along the busy stretch of dual carriageway as they perform dangerous handbrake turns around the junctions with Burger King.
In one of the videos, a white motor can be heard revving its engine as its skids around the roundabout where a group of eight are looking on.
And in an additional clip, another vehicle can be seen performing the same manoeuvre before losing control and grinding to a halt in the middle of the road as a stream of traffic builds behind.
The footage was captured in the early hours of Saturday morning by a local councillor who frequently receives calls from sleepless residents complaining of reckless racing there.
Kent County Councillor for Swanscombe and Greenhithe, Cllr Peter Harman said: "We had a situation where we had about 60 people present and watching.
"There were about 20 cars using the dual carriageway between the Burger King and Costa Coffee roundabouts as an improvised race track with probably another 40 cars parked up in various locations alongside the dual carriageway."
In a "bizarre" turn of events he says there was even a group of spectators relaxing on garden chairs that were "having a drink and enjoying the entertainment".
The councillor, who narrowly avoided a collision while investigating a race-meet last month, dialled 999.
He said: "I reported to the police control officer what was happening, and she could clearly hear the noise of the vehicles in the background drowning out my voice.
"She said that if a police vehicle became available they would send it on."
A patrol car arrived around 40 minutes later, which he said brought an end to the racing.
However, frustrated residents in Greenhithe say they are at their wits' end over noisy late night car meets they likened to a "knock-off Fast and Furious" set.
For more than five years neighbours have been plagued by dangerous street racing, where modified vehicles whiz up and down the dual carriageway at dangerous speeds.
Some meets are said to attracts hundreds of vehicles, often coming over the Dartford Bridge from Essex, with rallies running into the early hours.
Previously the Screwfix car park site was used as "a skidding range".
But last month the motorists were seen setting up a new camp and performing stunts down the road at a Bluewater car park where a series of tyre marks were left behind.
Residents also fear plans for a new fast food takeaway in the Greenhithe Asda car park could frustrate the ability of authorities to enforce new policing powers to tackle the problem.
It comes after Dartford council authorised a new a public space protection order (PSPO) to clamp down on anti-social meets.
In the summer a group of motorists were given their marching orders under the new powers, and one motorist was charged with an offence.
But so far residents have felt frustrated by the lack of enforcement action as issues persist.
The Swanscombe & Greenhithe Residents’ Association (SGRA) has set up a WhatsApp group to keep residents informed about developments and other direct actions that may be required to solve these problems.
Cllr Harman said he found it "extremely frustrating" that an enormous amount of work had gone into getting the PSPO but it seemed to be being ignored.
A Kent Police spokesman said: "We were made aware of nuisance vehicles being in the area of Crossways Boulevard, Greenhithe, at around midnight on Saturday.
"Patrols attended and provided a visible presence, dispersing those in attendance. Details of those attended were also taken to help gather vital intelligence to prevent further incidents.
"Officers are aware of residents’ concerns regarding anti-social behaviour in the area and continue to monitor the area with regular patrols. Kent Police is working with local businesses and stakeholders to ensure those who commit offences are held accountable.
"Should any offences be witnessed then we will seek to enforce the Public Space Protection Order which could see drivers being issued with £100 fines."
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