THE green light has gone out on street racing in Canvey after CCTV cameras were installed to end residents’ misery.

The security cameras will be installed in Roscommon Way, which has been used as a race track, to prevent the high-speed ‘cruises’ from taking place after dark.

Essex County Council announced yesterday two cameras will be installed on the road in due course.

It comes after Sgt Mark McQuade, of Castle Point neighbourhood policing team, said a permanent solution was needed to make the road less attractive to “racing enthusiasts”.

The cameras, which will cost £5,000 to install, will be match funded by Essex County Council and Castle Point Borough Council.

Councillor Ray Howard, ward councillor for Canvey Island West, has been working with the residents of Haven Road, in Canvey, about the anti-social behaviour caused by the vehicles.

He said: “I am really pleased.

“These cameras will help to deter those that are using Roscommon Way as a racetrack, this is not only worrying for those that live nearby but it also highly dangerous and against the law.

“The installation of these cameras is also a great example of partnership working amongst the two Councils, the Local Highways Panel and Essex Police to support those in the community.”

Police have had to introduce extra patrols to stop ‘cruises’ taking place.

There were concerns the amount of ‘boy racers’ using the road had increased after 80 racers were fined for speeding offences in October near Lakeside Retail Park.

Essex County Council decided, along with the Local Highways Panel, Essex Police and the Castle Point Regeneration Partnership, the installation of CCTV cameras was the cheapest solution.

Councillor Rodney Bass, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation said: “Although not a comprehensive cure to this issue, it will be deterrent to those who wish to flout the law by driving dangerously.”