Gates will be installed at the entrance to Madeira Drive in an attempt to curb boy racers.

Councillors on the policy committee of Brighton and Hove City Council agreed to the emergency measures on Brighton seafront at a cost of £20,000.

The gates at the Aquarium end will only be used when council officials or police think a cruise event is going to be held.

Several youngsters have died and been seriously injured in high-speed car crashes on the road.

Senior Labour councillor Ian Duncan said: "All of us feel disappointed we have not been able to solve this issue more readily."

He felt police should have been able to take effective action against boy racers.

But as the speeding was continuing, the gates were the next step in trying to stop racing.

Tory councillor Pat Drake said: "It can't come fast enough.

"It has been going on for too long. We need to put a stop to it once and for all."

Green councillor Keith Taylor welcomed the gates but said they were only part of the solution.

Other measures such as speed humps might deter the racers.

But Coun Duncan said speed humps were not feasible in Madeira Drive.

He said: "We know when night racing is going to take place and we will close the road then."