A PERSISTANT boy-racer who has menaced Ottery s roads was given a stern warning by police and faces having his car scrapped should his irresponsible driving continue.

A PERSISTANT "boy-racer" who has menaced Ottery's roads was given a stern warning by police and faces having his car scrapped should his irresponsible driving continue.

The 26-year-old Ottery man was handed a first warning letter by police stating he must abide by road traffic laws for the next 12 months.

Under section 59 of the police reform act 2002, any further offences by the individual will lead to his vehicle being confiscated and disposed of should he fail to pay recovery costs.

The town's neighbourhood policing team took action after a number of residents had complained about drivers acting "in an anti-social manner". With irresponsible driving the subject of half of anti-social behaviour complaints made to police in Ottery this year, it is an issue they are keen to clamp-down on.

PC Phil Thomas said: "This type of warning can be given to anyone who causes distress, alarm or annoyance to the public, which clearly he was doing."

"This is not a one off. If we see anyone behaving in this way, or who drives without due care or attention or worse, we will take that course of action."

"I would advise anyone who is tempted to show off in a vehicle to think seriously about the dire consequences it may have. It can easily turn into a serious incident and the potential there is tremendous.