A JOINT police and council operation to crack down on nuisance drivers in West Thurrock over the weekend saw five fines issued, one motorist reported for suspicion of careless driving and one person given a community resolution for possession of cannabis.

Teams from Thurrock Council and Essex Police worked together to prevent car cruisers from gathering in West Thurrock. They also worked with the Metropolitan Police to make sure that the event did not move on into a neighbouring London borough.

Over two nights of coordinated activity on Friday, 8 and Saturday, 9 October two drivers were issued with five fines between them for breaching the terms of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that prevents car cruisers from meeting in West Thurrock.

Thurrock Council leader and cabinet member for public protection and anti-social behaviour, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "This joint working demonstrates the determination we and the police have to prevent this kind of nuisance activity from happening here in our borough.

"We know this is an issue of concern for our residents. While it was good to see fewer cars, they still were causing disturbance for those that live in the immediate vicinity, and beyond, as well as being a potential danger to themselves and other road users.

"We will continue joint work like this to make sure that the message gets across to all car cruisers that anti-social behaviour is not tolerated in Thurrock."

To report anti-social behaviour residents can call 101 or use Essex Police's online reporting Digital 101 service.

Motorists are also asked to help to make roads safer by taking part in the [L}https://saferessexroads.org/extraeyes/extra-eyes-what-next/ [L+]Extra Eyes [.L] initiative and submitting dash-cam footage of irresponsible, dangerous and illegal driving for Essex Police to review and possibly use in a prosecution.

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