MORE than 60 boy racers have been caught driving dangerously since cameras were installed on a notorious Canvey road – with prosecutions on the way.

Police have issued 18 antisocial behaviour warnings and told 21 other motorists they face prosecution.

Others may still face action.

In September, Castle Point Council installed three CCTV cameras in Roscommon Way, two with £10,000 of county council cash, after a two-year campaign by residents.

Nearby residents kept awake by the roar of high-performance engines welcomed the crackdown.

Billy Baxter, 25, who has suffered sleepless nights due to the noise, said: “They fact that they are doing something about it is good because I’m getting fed up with it. It looked like nothing was happening because they just put the cameras up and left them. I’m glad it’s working and they are catching people. Hopefully, it will discourage others.”

Mr Baxter said drivers and motorcyclists regularly tear up Long Road, Northwick Road and Roscommon Way, disturbing homeowners in the Haven Road area.

He said: “I bet half of those caught were on one night in particular recently, when they came down enmasse and were racing up and down.’’

George Whatley, 73, of Limburg Road, said: “It’s not cyber crime or murder, but it’s like potholes: It’s not a huge problem in the grand scheme of things, but if it’s outside your house, it’s a problem for you.”

Ray Howard, borough and county councillor for Canvey, said: “This has proven the cameras were right and are being successful. Police need to be more up front about this because the public seem to think the cameras have failed.”

Police also confirmed they have reviewed a video of motorcyclists riding in Roscommon Way supplied by Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris and are conducting further inquiries.

Mrs Harris said: “This is good news, the message is definitely getting through. It’s a shame the law has to be involved, but it is completely unacceptable for families not to be able to enjoy the peace of their own home night after night.”

PC Ian Risden, neighbourhood constable for the area, said: “Two of these cameras have the facility to identify vehicles.

“Since installation, 60 vehicles have been identified, 21 owners have been issued with notice of intended prosecution and 18 have been issued antisocial behaviour warnings.”