Shropshire Star

Event to tackle boy racer issues in Market Drayton

Preparations are continuing for a second driving event aimed at tackling ongoing problems with boy racers in a town.

Published
Last year's Drayton Drivers event

The event will once again be aimed at young drivers in Market Drayton to try and educate them to be better and more responsible motorists.

This year the event will be held on July 9, from 10am until 4pm, in the town’s Towers Lawn car park.

Last summer, the town’s first ever Drayton Drivers event was attended by more than 60 people.

It featured competitions, car displays, rescue demonstrations and a chance to speak to vehicle experts.

The free event, which is again being put on with the help of the Institute of Advanced Drivers, IAM in partnership with Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service and Market Drayton safer neighbourhood team.

It is primarily aimed at 17 to 24-year-olds, but organisers welcome any youngsters thinking about taking lessons to drive.

Organisers hope to make the event bigger and better this year as they continue their ongoing battle against the problem of anti-social driving.

Constable Mick Sturland, of the Market Drayton safer neighbourhood team, said: "You'll be able to test your driving skills out on an 'assault' course, see how the fire service respond to a mock up RTC, get information about driver training, and see some of our roads policing vehicles as well as chat to members of the Safer Roads Partnership, safer neighbourhood team and the fire service.

"There'll also be displays from local rally clubs, car clubs and vehicles of interest.

"This free event should appeal to any new drivers or those yet to learn to drive."

Constable Sturland added more details about the event will be revealed over the coming weeks.

The issue with boy racers has been causing a problem in Market Drayton for years, with residents complaining about engine noise late at night.

Last year CCTV caught one driver doing "doughnuts" on Towers Lawn car park at night.

Previous attempts to tackle the issue have included installing CCTV in the car park as well as holding the drivers’ awareness event.

The installation of barriers in places such as the Towers Lawn car park has also been mentioned.

The local safer neighbourhood team have had to issue warning notices in the last 12 months as well as seize vehicles from drivers.

Constable Sturland has previously said there have been fewer reports of anti-social driving due to increased awareness and CCTV presence.