An illegal trap-racing event on the Manorway last weekend was stopped after council and police issued a 'ban' on horse-drawn carriages.

Thurrock Council took action to prevent the trap-racing event from going ahead on September 24 and 25 after police were “contacted by the organiser of the event to ask permission.”

The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which covers the road from the Stanford Interchange to Coryton refinery access, came into effect at midnight on Saturday September 24.

In July, the Manorway was shut down by two days of illegal trap racing which caused fury with residents and businesses.

A spokeswoman for Thurrock Council said they had now "banned" horse-drawn carriages from travelling on the A1014 Manorway, Corringham.

The ban is currently temporary, until more permanent measures can be put in place, Council Leader Rob Gledhill said.

Councillor Rob Gledhill, said: “We made it clear after the last illegal trap racing we would use what powers and resources we have to prevent this from happening again.

“Working in partnership with Essex Police, the TRO gives them the power to fine anyone in breach of the order and clearly the deterrent worked.”

“This temporary TRO will last for three months while a permanent order to cover the road is implemented.

Mr Gledhill added: “I have asked Council officers to look at making this temporary order permanent, meaning physical measures would not be necessary.

“Introducing physical restrictions would affect lawful road users and would make a nonsense of the arterial road status of the Manorway.

“If those who organise these illegal events want to legitimise their activities they need to look for private land, pay for the use and have it properly licensed rather than hijacking a public highway."

Chief Supt Sean O'Callaghan of Essex Police said: “The organiser of the event contacted us in advance to tell us of plans for a horse trotting event in Corringham last weekend.

“Appropriate policing plans were put in place and we worked closely with our community partners, in particular with Thurrock Council to prevent the plan taking place.”

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said they couldn't comment further on their actions last weekend as it would "jeopardise future operations."