TRAVELLERS heading to Corringham to take part in pony and trap racing were headed off by police today (Sunday, 28 February).

A continent of Travellers who were stopped from racing on the A127 earlier in the day headed towards the Manorway, a previous favourite spot for racing, but they found the police waiting.

There had been significant disruption on the A127 this morning and Essex Police's west division commander, Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper, said: "Pony and trap racing poses a significant risk to both those taking part and surrounding road users.

"In these instances, the safety of members of the public is always our main priority and we will continue to respond to any reports of activities that may increase the likelihood of collisions or endanger individuals on our roads.

"It is also our collective responsibility to ensure that COVID-19 regulations continue to be followed and we urge anyone planning social gatherings or non-essential journeys to please reconsider."

After police intervention on the A127 the Manorway became an alternative venue and were able to engage with the Travellers when they arrived in Thurrock.

The majority of individuals followed guidance and dispersed, but of those who remained, two vehicles were seized and one driver was issued with a warning under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. Three fixed penalty notices were issued for breaching COVID-19 regulations.

Thurrock council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill said: "I would like to thank Essex Police for their swift action today to disperse the group and for stopping individuals travelling to The Manorway.

"We will continue to work together to tackle this problem. Not only is this a traffic issue but we are still in lockdown so shouldn't be leaving our homes unless it is essential and fines were issued for COVID regulation breaches where most appropriate."

If you have any information about any activity relating to pony and trap racing in the county, or any information or dash cam footage of the incident from this morning, police have asked you to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.