Police in Blackwood are warning boy racers the town’s High Street is still closed on Thursday evenings after a recent increase in drivers flouting the closure order.
The road closure has been in place every week since January 2011. Since its introduction, according to Gwent Police, there has been a general fall in the number of car cruisers.
Inspector Mark Smith said: “During the last 18 months, cruiser related antisocial behaviour has significantly reduced in Blackwood town.
“I understand that cruisers are passionate about their vehicles which are generally well maintained and road legal and I appreciate the efforts made by them to make the area safer and more user friendly environment.
“However, over recent weeks the town has seen an increase in their numbers which is affecting local businesses and visitors to the town.
“Although they are not in the number that we have seen in previous years, I would like to take this opportunity to remind them that an active police presence remains each Thursday evening.
Officers will deal with anyone caught contravening the road closure order or driving in an antisocial manner.
“My officers will also continue to support ASDA staff who issue banning notices to their car park where appropriate.
“I don’t want to criminalise this activity, as I appreciate the vast majority of cruisers are law abiding – but what a lot of people do not appreciate is that driving in an antisocial manner is a crime and can adversely affect local residents and visitors to Blackwood.
“Please consider your behaviour and driving style and think about how your mother, father or grandparents would feel if they suffered as a result of this type of behaviour or driving.”
The closure order is in effect between 7pm and 4am on Thursdays, and bans vehicles along a section of the High Street, which is closed at four points.
While the ban is only being enforced on Thursday nights, the closure order can be implemented on any night of the week.
Taxis and buses can still drive down there as can blue badge holders. Other motorists still have access to the main car parks in Blackwood town centre, including the car park accessed from Bridge Street.