BOY racers accused of "dangerous driving" on the seafront could be hit with fines after hundreds of cars gathered.

Southend Council has confirmed it received reports of dangerous driving on both Eastern Esplanade and Western Esplanade on Saturday night after a large group of cars gathered.

Although the evening started with a number of classic and vintage cars gathering for an "80s and 90s style car meet", a number of boy racers were spotted attending later in the evening.

The council has confirmed it will now be reviewing CCTV to see if any fines need to be issued retrospectively for breaching its public space protection order.

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for community safety, said: “Our community safety officers were patrolling this area as usual and actively engaged with drivers and visitors on what was a busy Saturday night.

“Overall, the groups were cooperative and a few isolated instances of antisocial behaviour quickly reported and dealt with in partnership with the police.

“There was also some dangerous driving on Eastern and Western Esplanade and CCTV will be reviewed to see if any fines need to be issued retrospectively.

“The PSPO does not mean a ban on car meets and those intending to attend similar events in the future need not fear our PSPO as long as they drive and showcase their vehicles sensibly, respectfully, and safely.

“However, we will continue to enforce against harmful and dangerous actions and behaviours where needed.

“We all want families visiting Southend to enjoy their time in the city. It has a vibrant atmosphere, and we want to preserve that for everyone.”

The car cruise public spaces protection order has been place across the city after being brought in on April 4, 2023.

A number of activities are banned under the PSPO including engaging in excessive noise, dangerous conduct towards road users and pedestrians, driving at excessive speed, driving in convoy in a manner likely to cause a public nuisance, racing, performing stunts, dropping litter, shouting, swearing, abusing, or intimidating others, parking improperly, and all behaviours likely to cause harassment, alarm, nuisance, or danger.

Failure to comply with an order is a criminal offence and can result in prosecution which could lead, upon conviction, to a fine of up to £1,000 or a fixed penalty notice of £100.

Southend Council announced 41 £100 fines had been dished out to non-compliant drivers who attended car meets on the seafront in February and March, earlier this year.