POLICE have launched a crackdown on speeding motorists who have been using roads in Hedge End as racetracks.

Boy racers have been converging on the Tollbar Way area near fast food outlets late at night and using a string of roundabouts for "timed runs" - putting both drivers and passers-by at risk.

Now officers are to get tough on what they describe as "irresponsible behaviour" which puts other road-users in danger.

Police are also monitoring the nearby Powerhouse car park, which is allegedly being used for custom car "cruising" events advertised nationally in car magazines.

A spokesman said: "We are targeting these motorists and will deal robustly with anyone found committing an offence."

News of the police crackdown was welcomed by KFC restaurant manager Milton Al-Mamun, who said: "They drive really fast and brake hard. It is really dangerous for people."

Deputy manager of the nearby Pizza Hut Jim McGrigor said: "The boy racers make it very difficult for us. We had a customer whose son nearly got run over crossing the car park.

"They are out there quite a few nights a week and they just race up and down the road. If the police can sort it out it will be a good thing."

One late-night swoop has already been made by police, who stop-checked nearly 60 drivers - including two for offences involving tinted windows. A number of others received warnings or fixed penalty notices for a range of offences.

A police spokesman said: "Owners of vehicles with tinted windows should be aware that they compromise their own safety and that of other road-users if any windows forward of the seat belt pillars are tinted. They also risk prosecution.

"Motorists who engage in this pursuit in Hedge End are being warned that similar targeted joint operations are being planned in the area for the future to ensure that this menace ceases."