‘BOY racers’ are turning the streets of Peebles into a race track, according to one concerned resident.

Ross Lowe raised his fears over parking problems and speeding at the community council meeting on Thursday, May 11.

He claimed the absence of traffic wardens was at the root of the problem, adding that, while he understood there had been attempts by police to combat the situation in Peebles, officers had other issues to deal with. 

He told us: “In recent months the streets of the town have been turned into a race track, with dangerous speeds endangering pedestrians and other road users. 

“These modified vehicles can be heard from some distance, bringing a disturbance at nightfall to this usually tranquil town. There is also the question of inconsiderate and irresponsible parking and I’m sorry to say, mostly by the residents of the town. 

“Cars parking on or at lowered pavements make it more difficult and dangerous for pedestrians. I’ve witnessed a mobility scooter having to take to evasive action from speedsters on a time trial because his route onto the pavement was obstructed by a parked vehicle.” 

He also voiced concerns over cars mounting the town’s pavements.

“At the corner of Weymss Place and Rosetta Road, where parents meet their children from school, drivers are not deterred. My wife and another mother have had to move aside so a car could mount the pavement and park on the ‘Look, Listen’ crossing. 

“On a journey from one side of Peebles to the other I counted 22 cars parked dangerously or on the pavements.”

He has suggested possible solutions: “We could adopt the 20 mile an hour speed limit, just like parts of Edinburgh. Plus speed bumps on the parts of the town that experience higher speeds. 

“Double yellow lines on corners, at crossings and on one side of the narrower streets. Bollards on pavements that experience frequent parking. Traffic wardens or more policing, and a responsible parking by-law adopted by the council. 

“The elderly, disabled and children should be able to cross our roads unhindered and in relative safety. 

“Anti social behaviour and dangerous high speeds in town should not be tolerated. Let’s hope action is taken before an accident forces a response.”

PC Diane Sorrell told the community council a clampdown had started to combat drivers who ignore parking regulations, with 18 tickets issued that day.

She said: “We want to send a strong message out to drivers parking in Peebles. They will be issued a parking ticket if they park on areas such as yellow lines, on a pedestrian area, or in a disabled space.

"Drivers who also park along Peebles High Street are being monitored on how long their car is parked for.”