MP Jackie Doyle-Price will join forces with Essex Police and Essex Fire to try to crack down on boy racers at Lakeside at the end of the month.

Operation Wagtail will hit Lakeside on Saturday January 31 to tackle the issue of 'cruising'.

Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price will tag along on a ride-a-long with the Neighbourhood Policing Team to see how the issue is being addressed.

Chief Inspector Leigh Norris, District Commander for Thurrock, said: "Street racing poses not only a danger to other road users but also the surrounding road networks and to those using the footpaths and local leisure facilities."

"There have been complaints from local residents about the noise pollution and local businesses within the Lakeside area have been forced to close early to prevent incidents of crime and disorder."

Police authorised a 24-hour dispersal order on December 27 in a bid to reduce vehicle based anti-social behaviour and street racing in vehicles.

Chief Inspector Norris added: “I have been working extensively with local businesses, partner agencies and the community to address these issues."

Ms Doyle-Pricea added: “The issue of car cruising in the Lakeside area has been causing nuisance to local residents for a number of years.  I want to see at first hand how Essex Police are dealing with the problem and see what else can be done to tackle this menace once and for all. 

"It may be that it requires physical changes to the road network, but the public should be assured that the Police are determined to fix the problem.”