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Petrolheads who cause disruption by racing and revving the engines of their supercars in one of London’s most exclusive areas could now face £1,000 fines.

The mega-rich drivers have been labelled a scourge by sleep-deprived residents of neighbourhoods such as Knightsbridge.

They claim the motorists rev engines, race through the streets, perform stunts and sound their horns as they show off their cars.

Kensington and Chelsea council has now introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order in a bid to deter the drivers with the prospect of a £1,000 fine.

The rules, which come into force from Monday, also outlaw leaving the engine running while parked, playing music, use of foul language and cars driving in convoy.

Cllr Tim Ahern, the council's cabinet member for environment, said: “I am sure local residents will welcome the introduction of the PSPO.

“We know they have suffered for some time with people racing around the streets, accelerating and breaking and congregating on certain streets to show off their cars.

“The new powers mean the Council and police can do more if they catch drivers acting in an antisocial manner.

“We welcome everyone to the Royal Borough and I’m as happy as the next person to see some of these amazing cars.

“I’d just ask the small number of motorists in the borough who will be affected by the PSPO to show some consideration and not keep our residents up at all hours of the night.”

Cars including Ferraris, Porsches and Lamborghinis, are a regularly sight outside landmarks such as Harrods - with many having been modified to increase performance.

The area has been described as a playground for wealthy car owners with some foreign enthusiasts shipping their cars over from the Middle East during the summer.