POLICE have taken action following complaints from villagers over speeding.

Essex Police sent officers to Gosfield after reports of speeding drivers through the village.

They say they were responding to complaints from Gosfield residents.

Officers used hand-held speed cameras to clock rogue drivers.

The highest speed was recorded at 35mph.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Following complaints from residents of Gosfield, officers were out yesterday morning doing some speed checks.

“There were 1,752 reported road deaths nationally in 2019 and speeding is still the one of the biggest causes of road collisions.

“The fastest recorded speed in Gosfield was 35mph.”

It comes after residents in White Colne also reported problems with speeding.

With a 30mph speed limit like Gosfield, the parish council recorded almost 75 per cent of drivers through White Colne doing more than 40mph.

Of the 21,517 cars recorded in two weeks, 13,402 were doing more than 40mph.

A further 2,454 were doing more than 50mph and another 12 drivers were travelling at more than 70mph, sparking calls for speed cameras in the village.

Residents in Gosfield claim there has been a rise in speeding drivers brought on by the pandemic.

Parish council chairman Bob Waters said: “Gosfield has always had a problem with speeding drivers, particularly on the main road through the village.

“My belief, supported by phone calls from the public, is that the problem has become worse during the lockdown.

“This is compounded by the fact that our volunteer team forming the village speed watch has been unable to function as normal because several of them have been shielding themselves from the virus.”

Mr waters added: “Any extra patrols by Essex Police would be welcomed.”