Petrol hikes could be keeping Shropshire’s boy racers off the streets, police said today.

Boy racers across the county have been grounded because they can’t afford to put fuel in their cars, police believe.

Sergeant Pete Simmonds, based in Telford, said petrol cost could be a factor.

He added: “They spend all their time tarting up these vehicle and then they have to spend more to put fuel in the tank.”

He said he has built up links with an organised car club called Defined Rides, who  meet regularly in Telford and are happy for the police to be aware of their activities.

“They prefer to distance themselves from boy racers,”said Mr Simmonds. “Those who are  members of a recognised club have a responsibility to themselves and their group. It does come and go in fads without a doubt. Probably nationally you will find the same thing.”

But in Church Stretton, a former boy racing “hot spot”, residents said that instead of congregating in one of the town’s car parks, the culprits have turned their attention to a new pastime  racing up the Burway Road.

But  National Trust warden Dave Cowell said the situation is much improved.

He added: “The car park in Carding Mill Valley is regularly closed at 7pm every night because in the past we have had an issue with cars speeding up and down but the wardens are quite vigilant and registration numbers are taken.”

Constable Stuart Coote said: “We did have a problem in Church Stretton a number of years ago.

“Certainly I would say it is much improved. What that is attributed to I really don’t know.  Whether they are just behaving themselves or it is the fact that petrol has gone up or it is just out of fashion, I don’t know. It is quite encouraging really.”