RECKLESS boy racers have responded to speed bumps installed to slow them down… by using them as ramps.

Essex Highways said it put the measures in place on Monday in a bid to put the brakes on anti-social driving in Smeaton Close, Colchester.

But in response to the works in Severalls Industrial Estate, a crowd of up to 40 motorbikes and cars gathered at the scene and began to use the speed bumps to enhance their dangerous activities.

A concerned eyewitness who works in Smeaton Close said the behaviour “beggars belief” as young children played nearby.

Gazette: Destructive - skidmarks were left and tarmac damaged by the anti-social drivingDestructive - skidmarks were left and tarmac damaged by the anti-social driving

He said: “One car in particular was driving up and down the road doing doughnuts, to the point he was almost hitting parked customer cars.

“There’s now even more skidmarks on the road and it’s even dug out some of the tarmac from where they were skidding.

“The fact this time the bikers were using the speed bumps as jumps just beggars belief.

“Some of the ‘racers’ had very, very young children with them, I would say toddler age running around. I could see it ending in disaster.

Gazette: Targeted - Smeaton CloseTargeted - Smeaton Close

“It’s really frustrating as I have no problem at all with car enthusiasts who want to admire each other’s cars, but those driving like they were on Friday was a recipe for disaster. It was so dangerous.”

Mile End councillor Martin Goss has campaigned for years to tackle anti-social driving, which has also plagued nearby Axial Way and the JobServe Community Stadium’s car park.

“There’s genuine car enthusiasts and then there’s a bunch of idiots who have no concept of respect for public safety within the community,” said Mr Goss.

Gazette: Fed-up - Martin GossFed-up - Martin Goss (Image: Newsquest)

“This is what gives real car enthusiasts a bad name and they don’t deserve it. This is a minority of absolute fools who are ruining a legitimate hobby for others.

“Frankly, I really hope they get what is deserved in terms of prosection. I hope the police can issue some Section 59 notices and their cars get taken away and destroyed.

“I will laugh my head off if that happens.”