ECHO readers have rejected the possible introduction of regular nighttime traffic bans along Southend seafront. 

An overnight ban was put in place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night amid concerns about antisocial behaviour and a large gathering of car enthusiats. 

Traders have said they were firmly against the idea and have set up a petition in a bid to stop further traffic restrictions in the future. 

Southend Council has said it is reviewing feedback from the weekend ban and there has been no confirmation of what will happen this weekend when another car meet is planned. 

It is understood senior police officers insist there is no need to close the seafront due to the introduction of 50 new officers this summer. 

Echo readers have made their feelings clear on any future traffic bans along the seafront, with the majority firmly against the idea. 

Reacting on Facebook, Maggie Castro said: "Absolutely not.

"All you do is displace it elsewhere.

"These tactics have never worked plus upset ordinary members of the public who want to enjoy Southend seafront.

"Do they really want to closed down Southend for good, following the demise of the high street?"

Riley Sutton said: "I went for a walk down the seafront on Saturday night and it was like a ghost town.

"Business was getting ready to pull there shutters down early - they all lost money.

"Us car cruisers take a lot of money to the businesses down there.

"We’re not all bad. Granted you get the occasional idiot, but we don’t condone that behaviour.

"A lot of us meet up to share a passion about cars."

Cliff Scraggs added: "Why should traders and residents have to be inconvenienced for mindless morons?

"Don't we pay for police in our council tax..we certainly pay enough to use the roads."

Other critics pointed out the seafront is used by residents looking to travel between eastern and western parts of the Southend borough.

However, not everyone was against the idea of introducing some traffic restrictions along the seafront. 

Terri Simpson added: "Pedestrianise the section from Three Shells to Kursaal.....theres no stopping along there, speed restriction of 20mph (which is a good thing). 

"There doesnt need to be cars driving in that section in my opinion."

Katrina Edwards said: "Pedestrianise the seafront, maybe introduce a tram or something.

"It's always so busy down there with people anyway, would certainly feel safer."