PSNI meet with residents to address reckless driving issue

The meeting was facilitated by Sinn Fein Councillor, Mickey Cooper.

One of the residents, who did not want to be named, said young male drivers had turned the area into “something from one of those ‘Fast and Furious’ films.

“It’s gone beyond a joke and it’s just a matter of time until someone is badly injured or worse,” claimed the resident.

“My nephew showed me a video of a motorist driving his car up and down the Strand Road and doing handbrake turns - I couldn’t believe it, sometimes this place is like something from one of those Fast and Furious films,” he added.

There was uproar a few weeks ago when a video appearing to show car being driven recklessly on the Strand Road was uploaded to Facebook.

The video caused so much anger and frustration that it resulted in the PSNI increasing patrols in the area.

“Residents have been in contact with me for some time now asking for something to be done to come up with workable solutions. One request, in particular, was that they could meet the police to outline directly their concerns,” continued Colr. Cooper.

The Strand Road has been used at night-time to race cars at dangerous speeds and this poses an obvious risk to pedestrians, drivers and passengers. The high levels of noise generated by these vehicles is also having a detrimental effect on residents at a time when they are trying to sleep or relax,” he added.

The ‘Journal’ understands the PSNI intends to hold similar meetings with residents in the future to ensure the issue is reviewed frequently.

“It is vital that the police are aware of the cars’ registration details so the owners who are causing disruption can be identified,” maintained Colr. Cooper.

“Equally, by engaging with residents the police should now be aware of the pattern of behaviour of those causing the disruption to allow them to organise their patrols and other activities to maximum effect.

“Whilst cars are viewed as a pass time and a means of recreation their use in this area cannot be at the expense of the quality of life and safety of residents.”