AUTHORITIES has been urged to enforce signage that deters traffic in Newquay town centre following concerns boy racers are ruining its ambience.

Residents argue Cornwall Council and the police are not doing enough to stop motor cars and motorbikes from entering the precinct despite restrictions being in place.

There is a sign erected at the top of Beach Road stating pedestrian zone, no cars or motorbike except for access as well as signage opposite the Lighthouse Cinema that says no cars or motorbikes between May 1 and September 30 from 10pm to 6am.

Resident Nick, who lives on Beachfield Avenue, raised the issue at Newquay Town Council’s meeting on Wednesday.

He complained noise pollution from loud exhausts is “unbearable” at times.

Nick said: “Are they legal signs that the public should obey and are there consequences if they don't?

‘Living on Beachfield Avenue, all I see is a lot of people either coming into town to park to shop, which is okay, but that's maybe not to be encouraged.

“Then a lot of people just driving around in cars and bikes, usually with very loud exhausts.

“We make such an effort with things like the murals and the arts and try to create a nice ambiance for the town centre for everybody yet, the noise pollution is unbearable sometimes.

“It always seems to be the same type of people that.

“They seem to want to draw attention to themselves.

“As a member of the public I get very frustrated.

“I've called the council before, and they told me there was a police matter.

“I've spoken to the police. They said it could be treated as antisocial behaviour.

“That is when you follow the process on the website.

“You need a witness, video evidence and things like that, so it kind of makes it difficult.

“I've got to be out there on my phone, filming people driving by.

“Access is needed for deliveries or business purposes, or for people who live on the roads, then that makes total sense.

“But if all you're doing is driving around. Just to do it because you can and try to show off your fast car then it’s really bad for the town.”

Newquay central Cornwall councillor Joanna Kenny stated she will look into the issue.

She said: “I've got no clue of the answer. I don't know anything about the signs.

“I don't know who enforces them.

“My guess is that nobody does.

“I'm not even really aware of them. I'll have to wander down and take a picture.

“What you're asking is, what status have these signs actually got?”

Mayor Drew Creek, the Cornwall councillor for Trenance, stated he has received similar complaints.

He Cornwall Council could look at introducing noise cameras in the area.

Cllr Creek said: “We can certainly pick up the issue with Cornwall Council and County Highways, but firstly around the status of those signs.”

Newquay Inspector Steve Johnson has been contacted for comment.