BOY racers deemed to be driving antisocially have been warned they will have their cars seized under police powers to reduce concerns across the town.
Complaints about young drivers congregating in areas such as Asda on Old Mill Lane, Robert Street in Cudworth, Cortonwood’s retail park and the 838-space car park on County Way in Barnsley town centre have been made during recent weeks.
It has also been reported that boy racers have been racing on a route which starts in Cudworth, heads into Royston and into West Yorkshire on the A6201 at Hemsworth - the scene of a fatal collision between a quad, which was carrying four youngsters, and a Nissan 350Z in 2015.
Ryan Beal and Brandon Brown, both 20, Alexandra Binns, 18, and 16-year-old Terrie Louise Kirby, all from Upton, died when they were hit by the car being driven by Daniel Raynor, of Windhill Lane, Staincross, at speeds of up to 140mph.
Mobile patrols are set to be carried out on roads including the A6201 and areas which skirt Shafton, Brierley, Royston and Notton - although police have warned those driving aggressively in car parks that their cars could be seized.
Under section 59 of the Police Reform Act, officers are allowed to do so if the vehicle’s registration plate is flagged up twice in a 12-month period.
Acting Sergeant John Crawford said: “Section 59 is a good tool to have as it enables us to firstly issue warning notices to anyone caught driving in an antisocial manner.
“If they ignore that warning, or do take note but are caught doing it again within 12 months at places such as car parks, the vehicle will be seized.
“The registration plate is immediately flagged up to the police if it’s been reported previously. Although a warning can be given, if the public report a registration plate a few times we can immediately go to the section 172 notice.”
Given much of the boy racers’ alleged route skirts the South and West Yorkshire borders, partner work has been carried out by the two forces over the summer.
The Wakefield Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team has vowed to catch irresponsible speeders as it attempts to cross the line which divides South and West Yorkshire forces.
Inspector Martin Moizer said: “Drive safely and legally because if you don’t, you run the risk of coming across us and being pulled.
“We are aware of public concern about speeding and dangerous driving so we are making it a priority.
“I would urge residents who want to see us mount an operation on a road of concern to get in touch as we do need feedback to help us ensure we are where they want us to be.”
