A BOROUGH councillors has praised the Port of Tilbury police force for its support and action in keeping HGV lorries out of residential areas of the town.

Cllr Bailey Scott took to social media to say: "I would just like to provide residents with an update regarding the HGV diversion currently in place during the A1089 overnight closures, which are due to continue until 3 September.

Myself and Cllr Shirley Bartlett raised residents' concerns about HGVs using Tilbury as a through-route to access the Port of Tilbury, rather than following the designated diversion route. These concerns were raised with Thurrock Council, Port of Tilbury Police, Essex Police and National Highways.

"I have since had a positive conversation with the Chief of Police at the Port of Tilbury, who offered his team's support in helping to divert HGVs away from Tilbury's residential streets and back onto the designated diversion route.

"On Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday morning, Port Police were out assisting with this.

"Port of Tilbury Police have also sent a message to all drivers using the Port's VBS system, reminding HGV drivers that they should not be using Tilbury's residential streets as a through-route and that they could face prosecution. There is a 7.5-tonne legal weight restriction in place, and drivers should be following the designated diversion route.

"A warning letter has also been sent to Amazon, as a significant number of the HGVs photographed were operating on their behalf.

"All operators identified from the photographs who are based within the Port have also had a meeting with Port Police regarding their HGV drivers using Tilbury's residential streets to access the Port during the A1089 overnight closures.

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"On Friday Port Police turned around approximately 20 HGVs near Gateway Academy as they attempted to access Tilbury's residential streets. Unfortunately, officers could not remain there for long as they were required to attend an incident near the Port.

"It is important to remember that Port of Tilbury Police have only two officers working the overnight shift, but they have confirmed that they will continue to support residents where their operational workload allows.

"This is positive news, and I am grateful to the Chief of Police and his officers for the assistance they have provided.

"I would, however, remind residents that enforcement on Tilbury's public roads remains a matter for Essex Police. Port of Tilbury Police have offered their assistance in response to the concerns raised by residents, and their support is very much appreciated.

"I have passed on our thanks on behalf of the residents of Tilbury.

"I will continue to raise residents' concerns and push for action to ensure HGVs use the designated diversion route and stay off Tilbury's residential streets."