POLICE have handed out a warning to a driver caught doing handbrake turns in a car park plagued by antisocial behaviour.

Residents and councillors have complained about boy racers gathering in Websters Way car park, in Rayleigh, to carry out stunts.

Police have now taking action after catching one driver in the act.

The Castle Point and Rochford Community Policing Team issued a warning to the motorist, who was caught pulling handbrake turns in the car park earlier this week.

A section 59 order states that any person driving a vehicle on or off a road in a manner that causes nuisance or inconvenience to other road users or members of the public will receive a warning that lasts for 12 months.

If the driver repeats the offence before the order has expired, they risk their car being seized and a hefty fine.

Dave Sperring, Rochford’s environment councillor, said he is pleased that police are cracking down on the ongoing issue.

He said: “There have been issues for a very long time, years I would say.

“It is a problem that has been regularly reported to the police for a long time and it’s great that they are now getting round to tackling the issue and taking action against rogue drivers.

“It has been difficult for the council to do anything about because the car park is left open so certain people will always want to go and do that kind of thing. How can we as a council stop it? We can’t really.

“But it is a dangerous activity which puts the public at risk and people must report it to the police if they witness it happening again.

“We are really pleased it is clearly on their radar and hope that the local policing team continues this kind of vigilance so they can continue to crack down on the issue and hopefully eradicate it for good.”

The policing team have warned they will take action against poor driving which endangers the safety of the public.

PC Steve Joynes said: “Anyone with dash cam footage or other proof of poor driving can email details to the Community Policing Team to make further enquiries.

“Police cannot successfully deal with offenders without good evidence.”

Louise Jackson, 33, of Queens Road, Rayleigh, said: “This is great news for the area as this kind of crime is dangerous and only leads to more antisocial behaviour.

“The fact that the police have issued a warning and said they are going to crack down on it will hopefully deter others from doing it in the future.”

To report poor driving in the Castle Point or Rochford area, email castlepointandrochfordcpt@essex.pnn.police.uk