We need a trial curfew as well as penalties - Bruce Whitehead

I got a spirited reply from community police to my squib. No Constable, I didn't attend the public meeting because I was abroad, otherwise I would have been there to help find a way to stop this scourge. (UPDATE: more screaming engines and drag racing along the seafront last night; currently two deafening vehicles are racing at lunchtime!)

Boy racers gather in South Queensferry every night

There were encouraging signs ahead of the meeting: the community council AGM explained why the committee was opposed to car park closures that punish law abiding users too. And two Lib Dem councillors attended, hopefully ending the lengthy spat over the High School extension (long story...). We know offending reduces during the Ferry Fair and other carpark closures; a poll for a trial curfew of the Hawes carpark ended yesterday.

Local bobbies assure me that the penalties listed by Chief Inspector Russell were indeed at the Hawes Brae, so clearly a softly-softly approach can help (ask older rellies to explain that policing reference – showing my age here!)

I take their point that officers’ cover in unmarked cars is “blown” when they make arrests; that’s why I suggest incognito “spotters” identifying offenders, with traffic officers further up the road to nail them – using evidence from the new cameras.

The offending is so prolific that this need not take long; most evenings after 11pm you can virtually guarantee a constant parade of collars lining up on the starting grid to show off their latest Backfiring Engine Tune, or paint job, or new Slippery Tyres That Spin with Extra Smoke!

But are the penalties alone working? No. That’s why we also need the trial curfew. Fingers crossed for a poll “YES”.

I hope the drivers don't think we hate them; we don't. We're just tired residents who want a peaceful town in which to live. Don't we all? (Please share this with your petrol head friends!)