TRAFFIC police have slammed "reckless" drivers who forced them to issue a dispersal order on Southend seafront.

The latest dispersal order for the borough came into force at 11.20pm last night following concerns for the safety of pedestrians and anti-social driving.

The order includes Western Esplanade from Chalkwell Avenue, Marine Parade and Eastern Esplanade to Lifstan Way and is in place until 11.20pm tonight.

The Essex Roads Policing Unit shared how one driver had gone to the seafront with no insurance, and he was issued with six points on his licence and a £300 fine.

 

A spokesman said: "We are working with Essex Police Southend to remove the significant risk to pedestrians along the seafront.

"This will involve some road closures, dispersal order powers and prosecution of reckless drivers (including later via CCTV review)."

Referencing one driver who had been clocked at more than 40 miles an hour, the team said: "This is exactly why the seafront at Southend has been closed tonight.

"Cruisers are welcome but poor driving is not! This speed is dangerous at anytime if the day but with the amount of pedestrians about the consequence is not worth thinking about."