Police have temporarily closed a car park overnight on the outskirts of Norwich after complaints of boy racers causing "havoc" for locals.

People living in Britannia Road in Thorpe Hamlet have endured drivers speeding down the 20mph road and gathering at the car park overlooking St James' Hill late at night and in the early hours.

From today (January 27), the car park will be closed for three months, making it a criminal offence for anyone to enter or remain on the site between 9pm and 5am.

Eastern Daily Press: Geogolist Andy Sharpe, who lives in Britannia RoadGeogolist Andy Sharpe, who lives in Britannia Road (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Geologist Andy Sharpe, 61, who lives on the road, said: "You get drivers doing wheelspins. We hear the screech of brakes. They do U-turns and leave burnt rubber.

"The car park is one of the nicest spots in Norwich but is being damaged by road hooligans ruining it for everyone else."

Labour city and county councillor Mike Sands, who is chairman of the Mousehold Conservators group which owns the car park, has been involved in community discussions and hopes the order will provide "breathing space" for "a more permanent solution".

This could even include an acoustic camera, four of which are being trialled in Great Yarmouth, Bradford, Birmingham and Bristol as part of a £300,000 government investment.

Eastern Daily Press: Britannia Road car park overlooks Mousehold HeathBritannia Road car park overlooks Mousehold Heath (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Norwich North MP, Chloe Smith, has been campaigning for action to be taken to resolve the issue.

She said: "This single action should go a long way towards restoring peace for residents who have suffered for far too long the effects of gangs of people congregating in the car park, racing cars and partying too loudly.

"There’s more to do, so I will stay on the case with the police and the councils to resolve the issues fully.”

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich North MP Chloe Smith meeting with Britannia Road residents with representatives from Norfolk Constabulary, Norwich City Council and Norfolk County CouncilNorwich North MP Chloe Smith meeting with Britannia Road residents with representatives from Norfolk Constabulary, Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council (Image: Chloe Smith)

Officers attended Norwich Magistrates' Court on Friday, January 27, to gain the temporary closure order under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and policing Act 2014.

Norfolk Constabulary has said it will continue to work with Norwich City Council, Norfolk County Council and locals to address the issue.