A JOINT operation between Thurrock Council environmental enforcement Officers and Essex Police, supported by Southend City Council tackled car cruisers and dangerous drivers in West Thurrock.

Using a mobile CCTV van, supplied by Southend-on-Sea City Council, officers patrolled West Thurrock on Friday, 16 February to enforce the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that prevents car cruisers from meeting there.

Over the course of operation, called Operation Dial, officers seized four cars for dangerous driving or not having insurance, fined one driver for breaching the PSPO, reported one driver for a red light offence and gave four official warnings to people driving in an anti-social manner.

Thurrock Council leader Cllr Andrew Jefferies joined officers for the patrol.

He said: "Residents should not have to put up with the noise and nuisance caused by car cruiser events and should not be put in danger by selfish and dangerous drivers.

"These kinds of patrols not only stop those who are committing these anti-social acts, they also send a clear message that we will enforce our PSPO and take action against those who breach it.

"By working together and taking advantage of innovative technological solutions we make sure that we address this kind of behaviour and do all we can to protect residents who simply want to enjoy their homes in peace."

More information about the West Thurrock PSPO can be found at: thurrock.gov.uk/public-space-protection-orders