Thurrock’s MP says something must be done to combat dangerous car cruising around Lakeside - before there is a fatal accident.
Jackie Doyle-Price has joined councillors in condemning the reckless driving and antisocial behaviour that is once again becoming a problem in the area.
In her column for the Gazette this week, Ms Doyle-Price has said it is the one issue she receives the most constituent complaints about - and added she has even received death threats from the cruising community for trying to tackle the problem.
She said: “I have called for speed humps and cameras before, which led to me getting death threats from the cruisers. I am afraid this menace has gone for far too long. The police should not have to deal with this when cameras could do the job.”
“Without them, someone is going to be killed.”
The issue of dangerous cruising in the area has long been an issue.
In 2015, A public space order banning boy-racers and car cruising at Lakeside was launched by police and is still in place today.
The order bans all car cruising, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour in and around the Lakeside area.
Vagrants who break the order will face fixed penalty notices.
The area covered by the order is from the A13 between the M25 and the railway bridge, south to the River Thames.
Essex Police and Thurrock Council worked together to put the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) together following new legislation from the government.
But officials and residents say the problem is far from resolved and is once again blighting the borough.
Thurrock resident and resident action group member Tony Coughlin feels the problem is still prevalent on the roads.
Mr Coughlin,58, of Little Thurrock, said: “I would agree it is still an issue and ongoing as far as I’m concerned.
“I have seen similar behaviour in recent months recently with cars going around the wrong way on the roundabout and people have to swerve to avoid them.
READ MORE: Video shows drivers racing wrong way round Lakeside roundabout
“I have also seen a couple of near collisions myself as a result of it.
“If I’m honest I do think it needs more robust policing at Lakeside during these times which are often on a set weekend each month.”
The concerns have been echoed by Thurrock councillors who have been tackling the issue for a number of years.
Labour leader and councillor Oliver Gerrish said: “It does seem that car cruisers have been returning to the Lakeside area recently.
“A spike in police activity which followed the introduction of the PSPO seemed to reduce the problem. However, as with many things, once the attention is no longer on the issue, some people will return to try their luck again. The best response is to make sure that they are met with the appropriate action from the police.”
Thurrock Mayor and south Chafford ward councillor Tunde Ojetola has been campaigning about the issue for ten years.
The Conservative councillor added: ““It’s a disgrace that people decide to take the law into their own hands and race at great speeds on the roads.
“We have tried to block them and have enforced a Public Space Protection Order which gives the police the powers to stop the cruisers straight away.
“This has affected a lot of people and is very dangerous. I am happy to work with Jackie Doyle-Price, Highways England and Lakeside to make sure we find a permanent solution. It has been going on far too long.”
To read Jackie Doyle-Price’s full comment on the issue head to page 26 of the Gazette.
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