Boyracers face more street bans

Christchurch City Council is to ban boyracers from more streets after reports of hundreds of youths terrorising residents at a popular meeting place last weekend.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said he would consult police and the Ministry of Transport today about implementing a ban.

He did not name roads but residents of McLeans Island Rd and Coutts Island Rd last weekend reported boyracers in their area. One farmer reportedly drove through hundreds of abusive youths to get to a house to rescue his frightened daughter.

Representatives of Orana Wildlife Park on McLeans Island Road have also complained about the impact of noise on animals and the potential for fire in the tinder dry semi-rural area.

Mr Parker said he wanted the ban in place before Christmas.

Critics say the bans just shift the problem to new areas and that will be the effect of any new ban.

Mr Parker says he can implement the ban through the powers he has in the Local Government Act 1974.

The council may after consultation with the police and Ministry of Transport close any road or part of a road to any traffic or any specified type of traffic.

Mr Parker said the problem required legislation.

- NZPA