Madeira Drive was one of the first roads in Britain to be paved almost a century ago so it could operate as a racetrack.

It is still used every September for the Speed Trials, which thrill thousands of spectators.

The trouble is the Brighton seafront road, more than a mile long, is also used for unofficial racing at night.

Youngsters drive fast cars without any precautions and this can lead to tragedy.

It is also a busy road and campaigners believe scores of pedestrians are at risk.

There have already been too many deaths and serious injuries. Without action, there is the potential for many more.

Now Brighton and Hove City Council is likely to install gates at the Aquarium roundabout entrance, which can be used to control the flow of traffic.

It is a good idea and well worth trying for 18 months to see if the gates make the road safer.

But to be more effective, there may have to be another set of gates at Duke's Mound, the only other access on to the road.

Further measures could include temporary traffic islands or road humps, which could be bolted on to the road surface and removed during big events.

Madeira Drive is a tempting racetrack with the terrace above providing a grandstand view.

But it is far too dangerous to be used except under strictly-controlled conditions.

If the gates save lives and stop the racing, they should become a permanent feature on the seafront.