‘A fatality waiting to happen’ – Local motorists under siege by “boy racers”
Newry, Mourne and Down Sinn Féin Councillor Liz Kimmins has said that the antics of “boy racers” in the Killeen area are causing grave concerns within the local community.
She has appealed for a coordinated effort by the PSNI and Garda to tackle the problem.
Speaking to Newry Times, the local Sinn Féin Councillor explained, “The drivers are using the former Customs Post on the old Newry to Dundalk Road at Carrickarnon as a meeting place, effectively closing off the public road and preventing local traffic from passing.
“I was recently contacted by a motorist and passengers caught up in these activities. They were effectively kept ‘under siege’ by the antics of boy racers converging in the area to carry out dangerous stunts and driving manoeuvres for the entertainment of dozens of on-lookers.
“These ‘cruising’ activities have over time mushroomed from small beginnings into a major organised anti-social event, with websites dedicated to arranging the meetings and displaying videos and photographs of the night’s activities.
Councillor Kimmins added, “Anyone who is unfortunate enough to unwittingly drive into one of these meetings will be intimidated to either stop and wait to be allowed to pass, or to turn back and find an alternative route to their destination.”
Her colleague Newry and Armagh MLA Megan Fearon also voiced her concerns about the issue.
She described the situation “as a fatality waiting to happen”.
“Apart from the obvious danger involved, the noise level of screeching tyres has become unbearable for local residents and is having a detrimental effect on nearby businesses.
“This type of reckless behaviour has become a fatality waiting to happen. It is a social menace.
Fearon added, “The local Community are sick of it and demand that those who enforce the law, the PSNI and the Garda work together to challenge those involved in the dangerous anti social practice. I will raise my concerns with both Agencies.”
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=63136
Posted by Newry Times News
on Jan 30 2018. Filed under Community, News.
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