Boy racers to be banished from Paignton car park

Pedestrians' safety is at risk, councillors hear

Drivers using a Paignton multi-storey car park for night-time races have been warned their racing days are numbered.

Torbay Council is considering closing the upper floors of the Garfield Road car park to stop boy racers in their tracks.

Cllr Christine Carter (Lib Dem, Roundham with Hyde) used the members’ questions section of the latest full council meeting to raise the alarm over the issue.

She said: “The car park is experiencing anti-social behaviour, mainly in the evenings, with drivers meeting up in the car park then racing up and down the car park floors and also racing out of the entrance at great speed into Garfield Road.

“There has been damage to cars in Garfield Road and a great deal of noise from the vehicles, and there is also a concern for the safety of pedestrians.

“The police are aware of this situation and do patrol the area but cannot be there all the time.”

Cllr Carter suggested a barrier on the exit of the car park to stop the cars before they leave.

Cllr Adam Billings (Con, Churston with Galmpton) said the issue has been discussed by a team working to reduce anti-social behaviour in council car parks.

He went on: “The team is exploring costs and impacts associated with shutting the majority of levels of the Garfield Car Park in the evening from level one as a way to address the issue.