Top policeman Paul West has praised the success of officers in Oswestry in dealing with boy racers in the town.
In a visit to Oswestry yesterday, Mr West, West Mercia chief constable, highlighted the new legislation that had worked effectively in dealing with the anti-social drivers.
Section 59 of the Police Reform Act came into force two years ago and gave police more powers to deal with people driving in an anti-social manner.
Mr West said: “We have actively embraced the new legislation.
“As an organisation we have been very quick to use it appropriately, developing from warning letters, impounding vehicles to working with the VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency).
“Things are moving on. It is a lot harder now to run an un-roadworthy vehicle and not get discovered.”
It comes after successful operations by police in Oswestry to remove boy racers from the town’s Central Car Park and to reduce the noise made by exhausts on modified vehicles.
Insp Jim Stafford, of Oswestry police, said: “The car park in the centre of town was attracting drivers from Wrexham, Welshpool and further afield until 3am sometimes.
“The car park is not used at night, but in the past Oswestry Town Council has been reluctant to close it.
“We had meetings with them and they agreed to close it for a trial of five weeks and it has proved to be very successful. We have had 14 letters of appreciation from residents saying it has changed their quality of life.”
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