MULTIPLE residents have been left with fines after police conducted a traffic operation in response to complaints.

Officers with Essex Police were operating in Halstead as a reaction to complaints from residents to tackle traffic issues in the town.

Special constables were also deployed to carry out the traffic operation on the weekend starting Saturday, April 3.

Essex Police say officers were on patrol in Halstead to deal with drivers and talk to residents.

During their operation, Essex police say more than 15 drivers were handed tickets for breaking driving rules.

These included speeding, seat belts and reckless driving.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "In response to concerns raised by residents, our specials constables conducted a traffic operation over the weekend in Halstead.

"Whilst some officers were dealing with drivers, others were walking around the town patrolling and speaking to people

"Most drivers that were stopped were given a warning but there were some tickets were handed out.

"13 drivers were given tickets for speeding.

"Four tickets were issued for not wearing a seat belt.

"One warning was issued for using a vehicle in a matter to cause alarm or distress and one vehicle was dealt with for failing to stop for officers.

"We do these operations in an attempt to reduce road casualties and to make our roads safer

"Most drivers will be offered awareness courses before being fined."