Centenary Quay locals 'pushed to brink' by reckless driving

Those living at Centenary Quay have created the online e-petition to address the “growing issue” of “excessive noise and reckless driving” stemming from motorbikes and modified cars in the area.

They said that the petition represents “the collective voice” of residents who have “had enough of the constant disturbances, fear and danger” caused by “irresponsible individuals”.

Centenary Quay resident Kim Heston said the noise is "horrendous" and that bikers use the road "as a racing track".

She said: "I have to have my window shut due to the noise but I can still hear it. I also get woken up at night with the noise."

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Much of the 31-acre development, including Vosper Road, has a 20mph speed limit.

Much of Centenary Quay, like Vosper Road, has a 20mph speed limit. (Image: Newsquest) But James Wright, who has lived on the road for the last few months, says the limit is "constantly abused" by the same "usual suspects".

Jo Cherriman said that "every night" bikers were "racing around", describing the noise as "intolerable".

Jo said: "As we are coming into the lighter evenings and want to have the window and doors open it is so loud."

She said that children have been "woken up" and that the noise "wasn't fair".

Councillor Warwick Payne, who represents Woolston, backed the petition by agreeing that “action is needed”.

Councillor Warwick Payne agreed that action is needed. Cllr Payne said that nuisance from motorbikes has been "raised" with him on a "regular basis", especially disruption happening "late at night".

The ward member for Woolston said: "I am due to attend a community policing meeting soon where I intend to raise this issue with officers on behalf of the residents who have voiced their concerns and I will ask what enforcement can be provided."

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The petition organisers called the noise "mental torture" which is only getting worse.

They said: "Night after night, groups of motorcyclists with illegally modified exhausts roar through our residential area at high speeds, with no regard for the people who live here. It’s deeply affecting the wellbeing of our community.

"Children are waking up in fear, some even becoming paranoid and anxious. Vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with mental health conditions, are being pushed to the brink.

'Constant and unbearable'

Centenary Quay, which is partly still shrouded in scaffolding. (Image: Newsquest) The petition demands that local authorities take “immediate action” and wants to see an increase in police patrols in the area, particularly at night.

They called the "stress and sleep disruption" caused by the bikers "constant and unbearable".

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Petition organisers want authorities to implement noise cameras and CCTV to catch offenders, while also making sure that illegally modified vehicles are seized.

Hampshire police say that they are carrying out initial enquiries into anti-social driving, as they received a report at 11.09pm on Sunday night that a group of people on motorcycles were driving at speed in the Weston and Woolston area of Southampton.

A spokesperson for the police said: “The local neighbourhood policing team are aware of the report and are currently carrying out initial enquiries, including engagement with local residents.”