A DAY-LONG crackdown on “anti-social driving” in an Essex seaside town collared more than 10 motorists every hour for a variety of offences.

James Hore

A DAY-LONG crackdown on “anti-social driving” in an Essex seaside town collared more than 10 motorists every hour for a variety of offences.

Officers in Clacton joined forced with their colleagues from road policing, the dog unit and the “intercept team” for Operation Lampoon in Clacton.

Essex County Council's road safety officers were also on hand to issue advice and guidance to residents.

A total of 63 drivers were given a �30 fine for either not wearing a seatbelt or for driving down Pier Avenue between 10am and 4pm, when only buses, taxis and delivery vehicles are permitted.

One vehicle was seized after the motorist was found to have no insurance and two people will be appearing in magistrates court later this year after being reported for driving with only provisional licenses.

PCSO Chris Lloyd said the operation, held earlier this week, , was about making the resort's roads safer before the holiday season arrived.

He said: “We focused on Pier Avenue and Olivers Road before moving onto the rest of the town.

“We are extremely keen to show motorists that using mobile phones, not wearing seat belts and driving above the legal alcohol limit is not acceptable.

“We want Clacton's roads to be safe for residents and holidaymakers alike, particularly as the summer season approaches.”

Operation Lampoon was launched last year in response to a number of complaints from local residents who were fed up with anti-social driving in the area.

PCSO Lloyd added that officers would continue to run the operation throughout the summer months.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk