THE district council now has more than 40 speed gun sites across the whole area - and in the past week dished out fines to more than 50 drivers in Maldon town centre.

District councillor Carlie Mayes joined officers onsite this week to assess the behaviour of drivers and the frequency of offences such as speeding and driving while using a mobile phone.

Councillor Mayes, who is the vice-chairman of MDC, said: "We need to get the message out to our residents that poor driving and speeding around our towns and villages will not be tolerated.

"Last week's activity in the Maldon town centre resulted in 23 drivers potentially receiving fixed penalties for speeding, with the highest speed recorded being 35mph in a 20mph zone.

"Speeding is simply not acceptable, and we need to see the number of speeding drivers down to zero.

"Sadly, just one week later, 29 drivers will wish they had paid attention to the 20mph speed limit."

The reduced speed limit of 20mph on the High Street and Market Hill was introduced in June of last year.

It is now enforceable by law after Essex Police approved locations for the installation of TruCam speed guns in the town.

MDC's community engagement advisors support Essex Police in undertaking TruCam speed enforcement across the district.

A spokesperson for MDC said: "From Burnham to Maldon, Bradwell to Cold Norton - with some 40 plus sites approved by Essex Police - our team are kept busy supporting Essex Police in undertaking speed enforcement to keep us all safe."

The spokesperson continued: "As well as speeding cars and motorbikes, our enforcement team are looking at overweight lorries going up and down Market Hill.

"We would urge lorry drivers to avoid using Market Hill as a cut through to your depot as it could be very costly for you.

"The team will be on regular patrol in Maldon, as well as other locations.

"So, watch out - you never know where our lovely enforcement officers will pop up next."