FIFE: No hiding place as police set sights on 'boy racers'

No hiding place as police set sights on 'boy racers'


* Vehicles seized in new clampdown

* Shocking examples of reckless driving

A TEENAGER speeding through three red lights and the passenger of another standing on the car's window sill filming are just two of the shocking latest examples of dangerous driving on Kirkcaldy Esplanade.

This week Fife Police vowed to continue the crackdown on young drivers, with the promenade — a magnet for boy and girl racers — high on the agenda.

The force mounted its latest initiative last month targeting young drivers.

Nine of the 12 people who have died on Fife's road this year were under 25 with three young men dying in a horrific accident on the Auchtertool road just a month ago.

In addition, an operation targeting the Esplanade and involving community and road policing officers has already netted:


* two young Kirkcaldy men racing in total disregard for others' safety




* a 19-year-old woman speeding at 53 m.p.h. in a 30 m.p.h. zone




* an 18-year-old man — who had only held his licence for three months — speeding while uninsured



Since the campaign was launched on August 16, police have detected 643 offences involving irresponsible driving, seized 36 vehicles using new legislation and issued numerous Anti Social Behaviour warnings.

Inspector John McDonald said: "Just last Tuesday we stopped the driver of a car that had a young man standing on the windowsill. He was using his mobile phone to make a video of their drive down the Esplanade.

"We are making full use of the excellent CCTV system coverage we have and will continue to do so.

"We have pledged to make safer neighbourhoods and the way to do that is to show boy and girl
racers that their anti-social and dangerous behaviour behind the wheel will not be tolerated.''

Last Friday night alone officers handed out three anti-social warnings to young drivers and seized an uninsured car.

Inspector McDonald stressed the campaign would continue until the community was satisfied that the police were dealing with the issue.

He said: "So many young drivers seem to think they are invincible. We will continue to target young irresponsible drivers. We will charge them, seize their cars, use every piece of legislation at our disposal until they respond by driving sensibly and safely within our communities."

Councillor Margaret Kennedy, vice chairman of the police, fire and safety committee, said: "The recorded statistics make very depressing reading. Speeding, and often reckless driving, is very concerning. I welcome the police taking a robust approach. ''

http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/fife-free-press-news/No-hiding-place-as-police.3199831.jp