Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is calling for Government help to curb the problem of boy racers in the city.
Mr Parker says a German television documentary depicting Christchurch as beset by hordes of boy racers was "humiliating" and damaged the city's reputation.
The documentary screened in Germany last week, showing Christchurch as a no-go area after dark and police struggling to deal with boy racers.
Mr Parker said residents are at the end of their tether and the city council has done all it can to tackle the problem, including imposing no stopping zones and vehicle bans in some streets.
He believed the Government should consider suspending driver licences for unpaid fines and compulsory third party insurance for vehicle owners.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce supports Mr Parker and some of the issues raised will be included in a review of road safety to be carried out later this year.
