FILM of two cars speeding down a residential road moments after a group of young people were stood in it has shocked a local councillor who has repeated calls for more action from Thurrock Council and Essex Police to clamp down on the danger they cause.

The issue of speeding vehicles on Branksome Avenue in Stanford-le-Hope is a long running one.

Earlier this year Thurrock Nub News reported on the concerns of Cllr Gary Byrne and residents, including footage of speeding vehicles.

Police have mounted occasional speed checks on the road but Cllr Byrne says they have fallen far short of expectations and he believes the council could do more too.

In 2021 the council did propose an action plan, which included closing access to some link roads and it found little favour with residents, who believed the changes to be intrusive and impractical. In the light of that, the scheme was ultimately dropped.

Since then, Cllr Byrne says problems have increased with more properties being built in the area and he castigates the authorities for not returning to the search for a permanent solution

The latest clip taken in the early hours of this morning (Monday, 30 December), shows a small group of youngsters in the road and walking along Branksome just before two cars hurtle by at high speed.

Cllr Byrne says: "I'm almost a lone voice on this in terms of the matter being public, it doesn't appear to concern other ward councillors and I have met with a closed door when I have tried to raise the issue with the council highways team and the police. Indeed, I have been called a nuisance for raising the matter!

"But is that not the job of a councillor, especially then there is something as dangerous as this?

"The film, which I have forwarded to the council and police, demonstrates what could happen. Imagine if either of those car drivers lost control at the speed and mounted the pavement. Those kids would have had no chance.

"This is a real problem and there are many other available clips of dangerous driving on Branksome but it seems that the only way there is going to be preventive action is if there is a big accident or a fatality.

"Action now could stop that."

Police have also called on residents to play their part in reporting offenders, adding: "If you have witnessed or have evidence of dangerous driving - please submit footage via "Extra Eyes".