Last updated at 11:21, Saturday, 03 December 2011

The term has always been a little too frivolous for what it describes.

‘Boy racers’ conjures up an image of youthful high-jinks, a bit of fun, no harm done.

The reality, as many all over the country will testify, can be misery for people who want nothing more than to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet at home.

Now Carlisle city councillor Abdul Harid is helping to broker what may be a solution to long-standing problems of boy racers and ‘nuisance gatherings’ at St Nicholas Gate Retail Park in Carlisle.

Police have received hundreds of complaints over the years, with noise reported until the early hours.

Now vehicle recognition cameras will mean drivers who are in the car park for more than 10 minutes after 11pm will be sent fines.

It remains to be seen whether this will deter drivers from gathering there late at night.

But it could potentially help solve a problem which has blighted lives across Cumbria and beyond for far too long.

Boy racing is not a consequence of young people justifiably complaining that they have nothing to do.

Anyone who manages to pass a driving test and run a car should be able to find their own amusement.

If they are unable to find something which does not involve inflicting anti-social behaviour on their neighbours, they can have no complaints when the law intervenes.

First published at 09:00, Saturday, 03 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk