The war against boy racers has been stepped up after two more councils introduced restrictions already in place for much of Norwich.

Broadland and South Norfolk councils have issued Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) similar to the ban Norwich City Council placed on anti-social driving last July.

The PSPO covers both districts including Sprowston, Thorpe St Andrew, Hellesdon, Taverham, Postwick and Costessey.

It will be in place 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and means police will have the power to outlaw specific actions of anti-social behaviour.

Norwich Evening News: Broadland and South Norfolk councils are taking action against anti-social drivingBroadland and South Norfolk councils are taking action against anti-social driving (Image: Newsquest)

It means action can be taken against drivers in the districts causing harassment, alarm, distress or any other behaviours that have a negative impact, the same as in Norwich.

Sounding a car horn unnecessarily, playing excessively loud music, racing and performing stunts including doughnuts, skidding and handbrake turns are examples of behaviour covered by the PSPO.

Lacey Douglass, Conservative district councillor for Hellesdon South, was blocked in the Vulcan Road industrial estate last October so that two supercars could race along the road.

"It's great news and I am pleased to see it coming into force," said Ms Douglass.

"It will make the longer evenings much more pleasant for Hellesden residents who have been affected by the noise late into the night.

Norwich Evening News: Lacey Douglass is Conservative district councillor for Hellesdon SouthLacey Douglass is Conservative district councillor for Hellesdon South (Image: Lacey Douglass)

"The roads aren't suitable for this type of insidious speeding and the impact that it has had on the retail parks, with businesses that have spent money on mitigating this type of behaviour, has been huge.

"Norfolk is probably one of the only areas in the country to roll out a PSPO like this and it is really proactive of the councils to try to make such a big difference."

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This PSPO will see the councils and Norfolk police both enforcing the ban, with those caught breaching the rules facing a fixed penalty or prosecution with a maximum fine of £1,000.

Inspector Racheal Shearing of Norfolk Constabulary’s operational partnership team, said: "We understand that the vast majority of vehicle enthusiasts do not want to disturb local communities or make them feel unsafe.

"This PSPO will help us and council partners to robustly tackle those who do choose to spoil these events with intimidating and anti-social behaviour."

Norwich Evening News: Gary Blundell is the Liberal Democrat district councillor for New CostesseyGary Blundell is the Liberal Democrat district councillor for New Costessey (Image: Brittany Woodman)

Gary Blundell, Liberal Democrat district councillor for New Costessey, has also welcomed the news, especially given concerns that Longwater retail park is increasingly used as a location for car meets.

He said: "This is a proactive measure to improve the quality of life for residents by curbing disruptive behaviour and creating a safer, more peaceful community environment.  

"Most car meets are young drivers just wanting to show off their car but, unfortunately, a few ruin it for the many by being anti-social, wheel spinning, using roads as race tracks and causing issues for others.

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"This is not designed to stop all car meets or people having fun but to help teach the drivers to be considerate of the neighbourhood they are visiting.

"Longwater retail park over time has become a meeting point for car meets - which isn’t an issue -  but residents do get concerned and complain about drivers being irresponsible and driving in a dangerous manner."

Norwich Evening News: Eleanor Laming is the Green Party councillor for the Brundall wardEleanor Laming is the Green Party councillor for the Brundall ward (Image: Archant)

Eleanor Laming, Green Party district councillor for Brundall, Cantley, Postwick with Witton and Strumpshaw, said: "In Postwick and neighbouring Thorpe St Andrew there have been concerns in the past about use of the Broadland and Broadland Gate business parks as a meeting place for gathering and racing cars late in the evening.

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"I used to hear the noise sometimes from my house, but this is less frequent now, perhaps because there Is a new police station nearby at Broadland Gate, and meeting points tend to be moved from place to place.

"I’m very pleased to see that Broadland District Council has introduced this PSPO.

"It should help police to tackle any vehicle-related anti-social behaviour and ensure that public space is safe for people to enjoy."

Have anti-social drivers been causing problems in your area? Contact emily.goodwin@newsquest.co.uk