POLICE have vowed to step up patrols to stop boy racers in Newquay town centre following concerns signage is not being enforced.

Newquay Inspector Steve Johnson says he will “refresh” the memory of officers about the restrictions in place.

It follows residents complaining to Cornwall Council and the police, who they say are not doing enough to prevent motor cars and motorbikes from entering Central Square and Beach Road, despite restrictions being in place, which is “ruining its ambience.”

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.

Insp Johnson said: “I remember these signs going up a number of years ago and they were aimed at that very subject. This was at a time when the town centre was much busier, and I recall stopping motorists asking them why they were in that location.

“The signs provided us a means by which to try and keep the many people in the town on foot safe at those busy times, hence the time plate.

“I did stop someone for this very reason myself only a few weeks ago whilst working a late shift at a weekend. I stopped them out of town though when it was safe to do so, which means people don’t always see us take that action.

“It is also worth bearing in mind though, some people are collecting lone females and we wouldn’t want to discourage that safety measure. None the less, it is a valid point to raise and one I will refresh the memory of officers working within the night time economy.”

A local resident, who lives on Beachfield Avenue, raised the issue at Newquay Town Council’s meeting on Wednesday, June 3.

He complained noise pollution from loud exhausts is “unbearable” at times. The resident was reportedly told by the police that the issue could be treated as anti-social behaviour, but he would have to gather video evidence to back up his claims.

Mayor Drew Creek, the Cornwall councillor for Trenance, stated he had received similar complaints about noisy boy racers.

He said Cornwall Council could look at introducing noise cameras in the town centre area, while Newquay central Cornwall councillor, Joanna Kenny, stated she would also be making enquiries following the complaints.

Cllr Kenny said: “I followed this up with the resident that raised the concern and immediately put in a formal request to confirm the status of the signs and, if enforceable, whom is responsible.

“The sign for the 24-hour restriction at Beach Road clearly needs some maintenance. I can foresee a problem that the signs can be passed for access otherwise the Beach Road sign would completely cut off that part of town, including Beachfield Avenue and the Crescent.

“How do you prove whether someone genuinely needs access or is a boy racer looping the loop?”