COPS today vowed to put the brakes on speeding boy racers by seizing their souped-up cars.

Dozens of high-performance vehicles were pulled over for spot-checks during a five-week police operation in Glasgow city centre.

Officers uncovered a range of alleged offences, including excessive speeding, but boy racers are still risking lives by competing in speed duels on busy city streets.

Residents and hotel guests say they are kept awake by the noise of cars, which are being raced into the early hours.

Around 60 souped-up vehicles gather near Pitt Street and the Blythswood area every Saturday and Sunday night, disrupting residents and businesses.

Some city centre workers also claim pedestrians and other drivers are being put at risk.

In a direct warning to boy racers, Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland, said: "Your car and driving may be legal but anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

"You could well find your car being seized."

Extra officers were deployed in Pitt Street and Holland Street in a bid to combat speed duels during the operation.

Mr Sutherland, area commander for Glasgow city centre, added: "During a five-week period, specialist officers targeted the area, looking to enforce traffic legislation and educate drivers.

"During this period, 19 offences were detected including speeding, MOT and seat belt offences.

"On top of this, many more warnings were issued to drivers and their passengers as we tried to educate those responsible of the impact their driving was having on the local residents and hotel guests.

"We are, however, continuing to receive complaints from both local and hotel residents with regard to noise levels and annoyance.

"There are a number of motorists who continue to use the city centre as a "touring circuit" causing annoyance and anti-social behaviour."

Senior officers have now vowed to go after the boy racers using anti-social behaviour laws.

Mr Sutherland said: "Over the coming weeks we will be focusing on anti-social behaviour legislation.

"I would urge the car enthusiasts who tour the "circuit" to be show respect and consideration for others who use and stay within the city centre.

"We will again be meeting our partners across the city to see what further steps can be taken to ensure Glasgow remains a thriving night time economy, and a place to be enjoyed by all."

The Evening Times previously revealed how two young men cheated death when their car ploughed through an electricity box and smashed into a city centre building.

Both the driver and passenger escaped without any injuries and were taken to hospital as a precaution.

However, police said they - and others in the area - had a "miracle escape" after the vehicle smashed into the blocks of flats - narrowly missing a window.

A 21-year-old man was later reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with alleged dangerous driving after the crash at West Regent Street.