BOY racers are set to be hit with fines after a third unauthorised car meet in just two months on the seafront despite a ban being in place.

More than a hundred car enthusiasts descended on Southend seafront on Saturday night and both police and Southend Council’s community safety officers were called to attend.

A public space protection order has been in place since 2022 following complaints from residents and businesses over repeated unauthorised car meets on the seafront.

Saturday night’s car meet comes just days after Southend Council announced 41 £100 fines had been dished out to drivers who attended car meets on the seafront on February 24 and March 22.

Now, Southend Council has confirmed that a further 30 breaches of the public space protection order have been identified and this could result in retrospective fines.

Simon Ford, head of community safety at Southend Council, said: “Our community safety officers and police colleagues jointly spoke with attendees, encouraging respectful behaviour and responsible driving and parking, with many taking this on board and engaging with us.

“However, CCTV evidence has revealed more than 30 public spaces protection order offences, with numerous videos of antisocial driving within Southend being shared on social media. This may result in retrospective fines being issued for any breaches.

“The order does not mean a ban on car meets and those intending to attend similar events in the future need not fear our order as long as they drive and showcase their vehicles sensibly, respectfully, and safely.

“However, we will continue to enforce against harmful and dangerous actions and behaviours where needed. We all want families visiting Southend to enjoy their time in the city. It has a vibrant atmosphere, and we want to preserve that for everyone.”

The order bans excessive noise, conduct that causes or is likely to cause danger to road users and pedestrians, as well as causes or likely to cause damage to any property.

It also covers driving at excessive speed, driving in convoy, racing other motor vehicles, performing stunts in motor vehicles, as well as shouting, swearing, abusing, or intimidating people.

Failure to comply with a order is a criminal offence and can result in prosecution which could lead upon conviction to a fine of up to £1,000 or a fixed penalty notice of £100.