Police today launched a crackdown on speeding motorcyclists after two crashes brought the death toll of bikers on Essex roads this month to eight.

While it is too early to say whether speed was a factor in the fatal crashes, police are shocked by the carnage in Essex roads.

In the first crash this weekend a 40-year old motorcyclist died when his Suzuki 1000cc motorcycle was in a collision with a Ford Iveco van on the A131 at Penny Pots Corner, Halstead, at 8.30pm on Friday .

Mark Bright , a married company sergeant major with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, lived on the airbase at RAF Wattisham, Suffolk.

Mr Bright was taken to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, where he was pronounced dead.

The van driver, a 26-year-old man from Halstead, was unhurt.

On Saturday a 53-year-old Chelmsford man died after a crash at 10am in Springfield Road.

Motorcyclist Simon Lusher, of Mill Vue Road, was travelling in the same direction as the Vauxhall Astra, driven by a 19-year-old Benfleet man, when he died.

The car driver and his three passengers were unhurt.

On the same day, a 22-year-old man from Woodham Ferrers sustained serious leg injuries when his bike collided with an Austin Montego estate in London Road at 3.25pm.

Supt Doug Adams , commander of the mobile support division in Essex, said: "I'm anxious motorcyclists should always ride at a safe speed and remember how vulnerable anyone on two wheels is in the face of other traffic. Once they lose control protection is very limited.

"We have been receiving complaints about motorcyclists using country roads as racetracks and, for their own safety, we will be focusing our attention on checking the speeds of riders."

He added: "This month's tragic death rate speaks for itself about the need for something to be done.

"Prime responsibility lies with motorcyclists and all drivers in ensuring they drive safely and sensibly in order to prevent more pain and suffering."

A police spokesman drew attention to the fact the fatalities were were not all young riders, with some mature men.

Witnesses should contact PC Curtis at Bocking Traffic Police on 01376 330722.

The eight motorcycle fatalities during the month of July were: July 7 at Birch, near Colchester, July 8 at Alresford near Colchester, July 11 at Westcliff, July 14 at Buckhurst Hill, July 22 at Ongar, July 23 at Stansted Airport, July 28 at Halstead and July 29 at Chelmsford.

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