RESIDENTS have reported boy racers continuing to mass near Pitsea flyover despite the introduction of a legal order banning the gatherings.

The area has long been plagued by boy racing forcing Basildon Council to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to crackdown on the problem

The powers fully came into effect on July 1, but some residents have complained the issue has persisted despite the order.

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Councillor Luke Mackenzie, one of the main architects of the PSPO, insists it is working as a deterrent but admitted some racers may still “chance their luck”.

Church Park Road resident Ryan Gordon says he was kept up on Tuesday night by the roaring of engines.

“I was kept up late into the night by the noisy engines and tyres,” he said.

The 33-year-old added: “Most nights have been okay recently, but it hasn’t stopped the boy racers from turning up completely.”

Mr Mackenzie said: “It sounds like it is doing it’s job as a deterrent but I think there probably will be people trying chance their luck and test the water.

“Hopefully either the police or council wardens will be in place to dish out fines when needed and prevent any further racing.”

The Pitsea South-East councillor added signage for the PSPO was still being rolled out across the borough.

The PSPO will give council enforcement officers and police the power to demand troublemakers disperse or face a £100 fine.

The legal order bans car meets and cruising on and around the Pitsea flyover.

It also outlaws drinking in certain parts of the borough, as well as pony trapping and the use of any motor vehicle or E-scooter in 14 public parks.

“Residents have the option of filling out an online form to report noise from the flyover which will be forwarded to council enforcement teams or they can call 101, as police now also have the powers to tackle the flyover car meets,” Mr Mackenzie said.

“Officers I have spoken with say they are excited that the order will give them the powers to deal with these issues.”

Initial PSPO fines are set at £100 but repeat offenders may face a £1,000 fine and summoned to court.