ESSEX Police have been on the front foot, promoting their work to combat anti-social driving issues in Thuurock.

At the weekend the force responded to reports of people driving dangerously and in an anti-social manner around the Wennington and Aveley area and the roads and car parks around Lakeside.

One driver who was seen driving erratically and at speed across the multi-storey carpark roof dangerously close to pedestrians was reported for careless driving and had his car seized on the spot using powers under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.

Both he and his vehicle are subject to a 12 month warning period during which any repeats will see the same consequences.

A statement from the force says: "Essex Police are not against genuine car enthusiasts who stay within the law and pay respect to local communities. However for those who treat public roads like their personal playground, putting others at risk and cause misery to local residents – we will deal with you robustly, as we will anyone else present who chooses to remain associated and condone such behaviour when it escalates rather than leave (many are there specifically to watch and encourage such acts).

"To those car clubs and organisers who claim not to support anti-social driving or racing etc and only ever hold static lawful meets, yet constantly turn a blind eye when those at your meets drive like this we would send a simple message - you have a very clear option to show this approach and that's by your club and members reporting drivers and cars that do this to us and/or supporting prosecutions when we turn up by pointing them out or providing witness accounts.

"If you want to avoid all the inevitable playground taunts of "grass" then you can contact us direct or anon through Crimestoppers (thanks to those who do)

"Numerous people have been seriously injured or killed at meets across Essex when they escalate so if any of you truly want safe static meets, you need to show this by your actions and help us clear up the scene - that choice, as ever, remains yours.

"If you keep the status quo and continue to turn a blind eye to dangerous and anti-social driving then don't complain when we turn up and treat all those present, who choose to remain and stay associated, robustly with tickets for every minor defect and offence where verbal warnings may otherwise have been used."