ESSEX Police Force has launched its summer road safety campaign and has highlighted the role local communities and residents have to play in keeping rogue drivers under control or off the streets.

That has included putting the spotlight on local speedwatch groups, where residents have a significant role to play in monitoring traffic. Last year Thurrock Nub News highlighted the work of residents in the Horndon on the Hill area as they tried to bring down the speed of drivers diverting through the village.

And last week officers from Thurrock's Community Policing Team teamed up with the Thurrock Police Cadet Force to mount a speed watch operation in East Tilbury. Officers performed proactive patrols, assisted by the cadets who mounted a speed watch operation, with officers on hand to pull over speeding motorists, and others noted for action later.

In the official launch promotion for the country campaign the force says: "We all use the roads in Essex, whether it's to go to school, commute to work or to travel and meet up with friends, let's work together to keep them safe for everyone.

"During the summer months, there'll be more vehicles on the road as people travel to airports and for day trips to places of interest. It means the roads will be busier all day, every day.

"There'll be more pedestrians too, walking around beauty spots and crossing roads.

"We're keen to work together so you can help us keep all our road users safe. You can get involved in our #SummerRoadSafetyEssex campaign, and throughout the year, in lots of ways.

"Information about a drink or drug driver at the right time could help us make an arrest, preventing a serious risk to other road users.

"Sharing your concerns about an unroadworthy vehicle could prevent a collision.

"Letting us know when a driver doesn't have insurance or a valid driving licence, so we can take action to stop them from driving.

"Uploading dash cam footage of poor and dangerous driving incidents will help us to investigate and prosecute drivers, meaning better driving standards in our county.

"Consider your own safety, don't get in a car with a drink or drug driver and ask the driver not to take phone calls whilst driving.

"Join a local Community Speedwatch group to tackle speeding in our rural areas.

"It's important to tell us when you suspect something isn't right, so we can investigate. By working together, we can keep our roads safe.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage about an incident, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.