Anti-boy racer bylaw proposed for Papakura

Papakura's council may ban cars from using some roads in its area from 10pm to 5am, in an effort to move boy racers from their favourite meeting places.

For years residents have asked for something to be done about problems with people speeding, drinking alcohol, tagging and being a general nuisance in residential and business areas.

Now the council has proposed a bylaw prohibiting vehicles under 3500kg from named roads during night-time hours unless they have good reason to be there.

Police are confident such a bylaw would be effective.

Counties Manukau road policing inspector Heather Wells welcomed the plan, said The Aucklander.

"It gives my staff the tools to enforce it and keep them [boy racers] off the roads, and it leaves the roads for the road users who have a purpose to be there," said Inspector Wells. "It certainly will be a big help for us."

But councillor Peter Jones thought the bylaw was "piecemeal stuff".

"We'll have to put up a huge amount of signage," said Mr Jones. "The police have got rules to keep these kids out and the police should use the rules they have."

Papakura's proposed move comes in the wake of Christchurch City Council's decision to ban "cruising" last week.

For the full story on the Papakura proposed bylaw, visit www.theaucklander.co.nz.