Boy racers risk large fines as part of dialed up efforts to crackdown on dangerous “car cruising” events around the M25.

A new public space protection order (PSPO) is being put in place along London Road, Halstead, after years of complaints about noisy car meet-ups.

The issue of cars and bikes speeding near the London-Kent border at junction 4 of the M25 spur road leading to the Hewitts Roundabout, near Knockholt, typically occurs late at night, between 11.30pm and 3am.

In the past they have occurred up to three times a week and also involve spectators gathering to view the illegal events.

Social media has been flooded with messages from concerned residents with one commenting: “Another night of no sleep. I would hate to need to drive on that road at night, so scary.”

While another added: “Here we go again with the midnight racing. Why are the police not stopping these idiots?”

According to a review carried out by Sevenoaks council, the events are “high risk” to the public due to the careless driving of those taking part and have prompted several people to avoid driving in the area late at night to avoid getting “caught up in the action”.

The growth of the car meets has now prompted the local authority to put in place a PSPO.

The order will be enforced along the Orpington By-Pass, Badgers Mount, and the M25 Spur Road by Junction 4.

It was agreed by Sevenoaks council in partnership with both the Metropolitan Police and Kent Police, as well as Bromley council.

With it in place, it gives officers and the councils temporary powers to issue on-the-spot warnings, or a fixed penalty notice for anti-social behaviour.

It also prohibits behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, and distress. This means those causing trouble cannot return to the area within 24 hours.

The order was agreed on March 15 and will last for three years from May 1.

Sevenoaks council’s cabinet member for people and places, Cllr Lesley Dyball, said: “We know this is an important issue to residents and the consultation showed that there is support for the PSPO.

“We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to combat vehicle nuisance and to make residents feel safe.”

Kent Police district commander for the Sevenoaks District, Elizabeth Jones, believes the measure will reduce the risk of harm or injury to members of the public.

She said: “The PSPO is an additional tool that will help us address the excessive level of noise and annoyance to residents.