They say groups of cars have been racing along the Esplanade and Marine Terrace, with engines revving and vehicles reportedly travelling at excessive speeds through Penarth and along the seafront late at night.
On recent nights, they say around seven cars have been gathering in the Clifftop car park before driving down Cliff Parade and nearby roads, describing it as an extension of a long-running problem.
The resident says some neighbours have begun filming the activity from their homes, with three separate videos capturing a convoy of seven cars late on a Saturday night.
However, they say none of the footage clearly shows number plates, making it difficult for police to take direct enforcement action based on those clips alone.
They say officers have told them that CCTV in the area often shows the cars and general activity, but not registration numbers or faces, and that local cameras including those on nearby buildings may not be positioned to cover the Clifftop car park itself.
The resident believes this limits the impact of existing surveillance and wants more focused use of cameras on key routes.
Residents suggest a collective campaign encouraging people to safely note or record registration plates when they witness dangerous driving, then share the information with police.
“They will only be deterred if we can record the car-registration plates and pass the information to the police,” the resident says, arguing that “collective action” could yield results.
They stress that the behaviour is causing distress and annoyance for many people living near the Esplanade, Marine Terrace and the cliff roads, particularly on warm nights when windows are open, and say they can often hear cars further inland on other routes such as Cosmeston Road.
The resident believes the issue is part of a wider pattern of late-night speeding across Penarth, not just confined to the seafront.
Inspector Huw Tyler, from South Wales Police said: “We are aware of concerns regarding vehicles congregating and being used in an anti-social manner, particularly at the Cliff Top car park.
“The local Neighbourhood Policing Team is conducting additional patrols, and we are liaising with the council to consider options to tackle the issue.
“Registration numbers are key to help us identify offending vehicles. If anyone can identify a vehicle or driver, we would welcome this information so that action can be taken.”
Please contact South Wales Police by one of the following means.
Contact us online via https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report
101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
