BOY racers who bring terror to the streets have been hit by fines totalling £3,000 of fines in the last four months, figures showed today.

They were hit with more than 100 fixed penalty notices under Operation Elite in Abergavenny.

But police, who have used the £30 fines for offences of using mobile phones while driving and not wearing seat belts, say they are still losing the battle and need public support in the town.

And a public meeting has been called for next week to discuss the problem.

"We are using our powers as effectively as possible but without help from the public, the problem is not going to go away," said project co-ordinator Sergeant Huw Jones, now based at Usk.

"We need people to note down the registration and make of offending vehicles and be prepared to put their name to a statement.

"Then we will see more and more vehicles seized which will hopefully lead to a greater deterrent."

Police have used powers under the Police Reform Act to issue warnings of possible vehicle confiscation to young, dangerous motorists.

Three cars have already been seized and there are currently more than 50 motorists on a confiscation warning.

"The public may not realise that if they report a driver who has already been on a warning, then we can impound the vehicle immediately," said Sgt Jones.

"It will cost £120 to get the car back within 28 days or it will be destroyed, and that is in addition to any court costs or fines incurred as a result of prosecutions for dangerous driving."

The problem of boy racers in the town has prompted a local councillor to call a public meeting next week.

Councillor Alan Breeze has organised the meeting, which will include David Davies AM and representatives of Gwent Police and Monmouthshire county council.

The meeting, open to the public, will be held on Thursday, September 16, in the council chamber at Abergavenny Town Hall at 7pm.