That was the warning this week from police and councillors who have signalled a get-tough attitude with anti-social drivers in the town after a barrage of complaints from local residents.

The drivers, mainly young men, have been causing distress to local residents by revving their cars in low gears, accelerating rapidly and honking their horns in unison in the streets at night.

Now Cromarty Firth Highland councillor Maxine Smith and local police Inspector Matthew Reiss are giving reassurance to residents and say they can act on the boy racer menace.

Under new anti-social legislation, nuisance drivers can have their cars impounded and will have to pay over £100 to get them back, as well as a hefty daily rate for storage of their vehicles at the police compound.

Councillor Smith said: "I have had many complaints from residents who are simply fed up with the disturbance.

"Anti-social drivers are revving their cars in second gear, sounding their horns in unison and roaring up and down the streets. It's causing misery to people living in the High Street and the town centre. It's also scaring animals.

"Nuisance drivers can have their cars confiscated. They will have to pay to get their vehicles back, which they will not like – particularly if it is their parents' car. Hopefully this will get the message home to youngsters who mess about in cars that this is not acceptable behaviour."

PC Angie Grant-Omotosho with Councillor Maxine Smith on Invergordon High Street, where the anti-social boy racers often gather. Derek Gordon, 07778 044112

Alness-based Inspector Matthew Reiss confirmed his officers had the power to impound and would do so.

"Under the Anti-Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act, police have the powers to confiscate cars from drivers who persist in what could be termed anti-social driving," said Insp Reiss.

"This includes spinning of tyres caused by excessive accelerating, handbrake turns and other offences which amount to careless driving."

He added: "While the cost of running a car, such as fuel and insurance, has risen, cars have become cheaper in real terms, and it is predominantly young men who have the worst record in the area of anti-social driving."

editor@north-star-news.co.uk

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