CALLS have been made for speed bumps to be introduced to stop “inconsiderate” boy racers wreaking havoc on Canvey.

The Echo revealed last week racers had returned to Roscommon Way, despite CCTV cameras being installed as a deterrent.

Tyre tracks were clearly visible on the road after a night of racing again this weekend, with residents claiming they were kept up until the early hours of Sunday morning because of the sound of revving engines and screeching tyres.

Police officers are trawling through CCTV footage in an attempt to identify the boy racers.

Ray Howard, veteran Tory councillor for CanveyWest and on the highways committee at Essex County Council, believes the completion of the latest phase of the Roscommon Way extension would put an end to the racing problems.

However, residents want permanent measures to be put in place now.

Richard Bannister, 38, of Leigh Road, Canvey, said: “The road is still going to be there. There might be a bit more traffic, but it’s going to be pretty quiet by the time the boy racers are out.

“I’ve got friends down Haven Road, just a few hundred yards from Roscommon Way, and its a nightmare for them.

“The noise and disturbance is horrendous.

“For families that have children it’s such a serious issue.

“There needs to be speed cameras or speed bumps, we need proper measures in place.”

The first £18million phase of the Roscommon Way extension, linking Northwick Road to Haven Road, was officially opened in December 2011.

A second phase would extend Roscommon Way all the way to Western Esplanade, providing a third main road on the island.

Supporters of the scheme believe it will bring more jobs and fewer traffic jams, allowing drivers to bypass Long Road when getting on or off the island.

Mr Howard said: “I fully understand the inconvenience these inconsiderate people cause. They seem to have no respect for our community.

“Because of the seawall, noise travels more on Canvey than it would in other parts of the county.

The police have been studying CCTV footage of the boy racers, and we are all taking this seriously.

“We need to name and shame these people. I just feel so sorry for the residents affected.

“When we get the next phase of the Roscommon Way extension completed that should solve the problem because it will become a main road so there will always be traffic.”