Motorists who flout the law and park illegally are being targeted in a joint initiative to keep Southend's roads on the move.

The hard-hitting initiative is aimed at keeping Leigh and Westcliff's roads unclogged by rogue parking as holidaymakers flock to the seafront to enjoy the summer sunshine.

Most days choking traffic congestion blights Leigh and Westcliff's roads with illegally parked cars only adding to the jams.

Concerned at the danger these cause, police have joined forces with traffic wardens to get the message across that thoughtless parking will not be tolerated.

Sgt Ian Cummings, of Leigh police, said the scheme has already brought impressive results.

He said: "At the moment we are only going out two or three days a month - just a couple of hours work can see dozens of motorists caught out."

Particular hotspots include Hamlet Court Road, London Road and Station Road.

But with fewer traffic wardens than ever patrolling a patch which covers the whole of Leigh and Westcliff, their lack of transport can mean resources are not always put to their best use.

Sgt Cummings said: "With our help real problem areas can be blitzed on a more regular basis. Our help means the traffic wardens can be more flexible."

A two-hour blitz on Thursday saw 30 £20 fines issued to motorists, four reported for having no tax, and three issued with points on their licences for parking on restricted zigzag lines.

The initiative will continue throughout the busy summer months.

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