A series of operations last October saw the arrest of eight drivers, six of whom were convicted for illegal racing and other offences in July.

Each had their licences suspended by the courts and faced a two-month prison term pending a possible appeal.

Inspector Hung Hin-kau of the Enforcement and Control Division of T HKI said Police received complaints over illegal racing in various parts of Hong Kong Island and set up observation posts in areas prone to the problem. Almost 60 officers were involved in the five-day operation, erecting road blocks across the Region.

Motor marshals: SGT Wong, IP Hung and SSGT Lee and their machines

"Although illegal racing complaints dropped after the operations, officers will continue observations to update information on such drivers and eliminate disturbances caused by them," he said.

Mr Hung said the would-be "racers" hit speeds of up to three times the legal limit and threatened the safety of not only themselves but other road users.

Sergeant of Intelligence and Liaison T HKI Wong Kam-lun started reconnaisance two months before operations started.

"Unlike those in Kowloon or the New Territories, roads on Hong Kong are generally winding. According to our experience, racers practise on roads here before the Macau Grand Prix. However, there are some drivers who race on the street for excitement only," Mr Wong said.

T HKI Station Sergeant Lee Ching-leung who was recently transferred to Western Division, said the safety of all road users was their major concern.

"When we spot a suspected racer we notify colleagues at the nearby observation posts, and once they have identified the direction of the suspected car, we start our operation,"he said.

"At the same time, we block cars coming from the opposite lane to eliminate unnecessary danger."

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