High-tech recording equipment used to catch fly-tipping culprits is being redeployed to crack down on a "boy racer" problem.

Dartford council says it is determined to tackle ongoing street racing and dangerous driving at Crossways Boulevard, Greenhithe.

It follows the emergence of videos last month showing drivers performing doughnuts and speeding along the dual carriageway in front of spectators on deckchairs.

The council has already authorised a public spaces protection order (PSPO) giving new powers to police to tackle the gatherings.

And the force says it taking "robust action" to address anti-social behaviour having already dished out a large number of fines in recent weeks.

But the council wants to go further still and has agreed to use a camera it usually deploys to record fly-tipping and environmental offences to clamp down on "boy racer" meets.

It is hoped the specialist equipment, which helps capture evidence in "real time" and records licence plates, will assist the police in pursuing prosecutions.

If an offence falls within the council's own limited powers it will also issue its own fines, it is understood.

Leader of Dartford council Jeremy Kite said: “Dartford council is determined to end this nuisance for residents and has deployed an AI pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera in Crossways Boulevard to assist police with the enforcement of the PSPO we implemented in May.

"It was provided by our usual contractor and the equipment generates a report if it believes there has been a breach in the rules set out in the PSPO.

"This report is then reviewed and passed to our officers or the police to consider whether a prosecution or penalty is appropriate.

"Since the camera was installed we have seen a huge reduction in the number of anti-social behaviour complaints but we’re not complacent and will continue to monitor the deployment.’

And on whether they tech is temporary, Cllr Kite said the camera "will be in place for a while yet".

The PSPO bans car cruising, wheel spins, racing and performing stunts, along with the filming of these types of activities.

People can also be fined if engaging in any activity a reasonable person would consider to be “car cruising” – with a group of motor fanatics speaking out after being issued with £100 fines for stopping at Bluewater.

The latest action has pleased county councillor for Greenhithe and Swanscombe Peter Harman who has long-called for the issue to be "taken more seriously" in response to the concerns of residents.

"We are hoping that people's behaviour will change but we are going to keep monitoring it and ensuring it doesn't lapse," he said.