Police are stepping up their controversial war on speed with the start of a new month-long offensive.

Essex Police say the campaign, which started on Thursday will involve 200 officers from the road policing units across the county targeting speeding drivers.

Despite fierce and continued criticism from some members of the community, with a fiery debate raging in the Brentwood area, officers maintain their aim is to reduce the number of people killed and maimed on the county's roads.

Road policing manager, Chief Insp Tom Diment, said: "One of the main reasons for our actions is to stop drivers risking death and injury by breaking speed limits.

"We have already had 11 fatalities and over 50 serious injury-crashes in the first month of this year alone. Anyone who has witnessed these crashes at close quarters will understand the agony we are seeking to avoid.

"Fixed penalty notices, carrying fines of £60, will be issued to the majority of drivers who are caught exceeding the speed limit.

"We are telling motorists that speed kills and maims," added Chief Insp Diment, "and giving them fair warning that they will be hit hard the moment they exceed the speed limit for the road they are travelling on.

"It is only appropriate that drivers who choose to speed and put themselves and others at risk should pay towards helping keep our roads safe."

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