Call to tackle backfiring exhausts as Slieve Croob Councillor Alan Lewis requests police and DVA action
Anti-social driving and vehicle back-firing is causing considerable problems in small communities in the Slieve Croob area says DUP Councillor Alan Lewis.
Cllr Alan Lewis has called on the PSNI and the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) to intervene to curb anti-social driving habits which have been having a serious and ongoing impact on local communities.
Councillor Lewis said: “Over the Christmas period there has been a noticeable increase in noise and anti-social behaviour caused by a small number of drivers who are deliberately making their vehicles back-fire, either through intentional modification or through deliberate driving behaviour.
“This has become increasingly irritating and disruptive to residents in Spa, Seaforde, Clough, Dundrum and Castlewellan.
“While it is only a small number of vehicles involved, residents have taken the time to note and report registrations, and in many cases these vehicles appear not to be taxed, let alone MOT tested.”
Cllr Lewis added: “There is a difference between being proud of your car and showing a complete disregard for everyone else. Many people invest significant time and money into the appearance and performance of their vehicles, and that is their choice.
“However, there is a time and a place for that interest, and deliberately causing explosive noises in residential villages at two o’clock in the morning is neither impressive nor acceptable.
“What we are seeing is not enthusiasm for motoring, but it is attention-seeking behaviour driven by over-inflated egos, paired with unappealing vehicles and a complete lack of consideration for others.
“I will be writing to the DVA to seek clarity on what action is being taken to remove these types of vehicles from our roads, to outline the MOT standards that apply, and to ensure there are clear and enforced guidelines around exhaust modifications and excessive noise.
“I am also calling on the PSNI to make use of their traffic branch and enforcement powers to ensure those responsible are stopped and dealt with.
“These villages have raw and painful memories of the past. To many residents, these sudden explosive noises sound like gunfire. I strongly suspect that some drivers know exactly what they are doing and the reaction they are provoking.
“These noises are not harmless. They wake small children, they terrify elderly residents, and they can trigger deep distress for those affected by conflict-related trauma.
“I have received reports from families with neuro-diverse children who were left inconsolable, frightened and unable to return to sleep. This is not funny, and it is not trivial.
“I know these families. I know these children by name. The consequences of allowing a car to backfire through a village at two in the morning go far beyond thirty seconds of misplaced bravado.
“It leaves lasting fear, exhaustion and anxiety behind it.
“This behaviour is not about cars… it is about insecurity being broadcast as noise, and our communities should not be expected to tolerate it.”
