Hundreds of boy racers meet in Falkirk every month

The minister was in the town to consult on an ongoing review into the way anti- social behaviour is tackled.

Mr Ewing met with Central Scotland Police chief Constable Andrew Cameron to discuss the issue.

He also met locals who said more needed to be done to combat the high number of boy racers in the town.

Falkirk has become a well-known meeting point for cruisers and boy racers who congregate in the area on the first Thursday of every month.

At the event, hundreds of vehicles meet at the Falkirk Wheel before making their way to the town's Central Retail Park.

Seizure powers

Local councillor Pat Reid said: "The sheer number of cars coming into the town centre is a problem.

"Not only do they cause traffic problems but they also create a lot of noise and can be intimidating to local people."

Since 2004, police have had the power to seize vehicles which are used in an anti-social way.

Figures have shown that since the legislation was introduced, 4,012 warning orders have been issued across Scotland, while 392 vehicles have been seized.

We fully support measures that are well used and appear to be working well - including vehicle seizure powers and police 'on-the-spot' fines Fergus Ewing

Legislation has also been introduced which permits the removal of vehicles belonging to uninsured or unlicensed drivers.

Central Scotland Police said they had removed over 170 since February.

Mr Ewing said: "As part of the review, I want to hear from the police and other local agencies, to see where the legislative and non-legislative options available to them can be strengthened and improved.

"We fully support measures that are well used and appear to be working well - including vehicle seizure powers and police 'on-the-spot' fines.

"But we want to see whether they can be made to work more effectively."