THURROCK Council has installed a number of CCTV cameras at points across the borough to stop the passage of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

The authority says the cameras have been introduced to help improve road safety, reduce congestion and address HGV misuse. 

It is the council's intention to enforce traffic restrictions that are already in place, including HGV access limits and a bus gate in North Stifford, helping to ensure roads are used safely and as intended. 

The decision to introduce traffic cameras follows a consultation held in August and September 2025, where residents shared their views on HGV restrictions and wider traffic issues across the borough. 

Traffic cameras have been installed at the following locations: 

• London Road, West Thurrock – HGV access enforcement (eastbound and westbound) 
• London Road, South Stifford – HGV access enforcement (eastbound and westbound) 
• High Road, North Stifford – Bus gate enforcement (including HGVs) (eastbound and westbound) 
• Church Hill / King Street, Stanford-le-Hope – HGV access enforcement (both directions) 

A council statement says: "The traffic cameras are being used to help enforce traffic rules that are already in place. They are intended to reduce problems such as: 

• vehicles using roads they are not allowed to use 
• drivers ignoring restrictions or making banned turns 
• vehicles blocking junctions when there is no clear space to exit 

"The cameras do not enforce speeding. Speed enforcement remains a police matter. 

"To support drivers as the scheme begins, an initial six-month warning period will apply. During this time, drivers who break the rules will receive a warning letter, rather than a fine. This approach is intended to raise awareness and allow time for people to adjust before formal enforcement begins. "

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The council has not introduced significant new signage to explain were restrictions apply, just signs say enforcement will take place. 

The HGV limit sings on the junction of Corringham Road and the Manorway - Corringham Road is rcognised as the legitimate route for HGV traffic to Stanhope Industrial Estate.

That has caused some concern in Stanford-le-Hope where ward councillor Neil Speight says: "I applaud the initiative but I believe we have an obligation to drivers to be more specific. The main problem in Stanford is HGV access to and from the Stanhope Industrial Park. There are restrict signs at the four main entry points to the town, but they allow 'access' if loading or unloading. 

"The camera is placed at the bottom of Church Hill, a long way from any of the restriction signs on London Road, Southend Road, Corringham Road and the Manorway and I think HGV drivers will believe they can legitimately pass through them because they are seeking access to a fixed point beyond the signs.

"What residents wanted was a decrease of HGV traffic on London Road and the town centre, ie Church Hill, but I don't see how this change helps that without clearer signage that the council's travel plan for HGCV traffic to Stanhope is via Corringham Road. 

"I'm not sure this has been as well thought out as it could have been."