46 people were caught breaking the speed limit in areas of Maldon by patrol officers over just two hours in August.

The majority of the offenders were found speeding in the 20mph zones on the High Street and Market Hill.

The details emerged in a meeting of the town council's environment committee last night (Monday, 27 September), when community protection officers updated members on their patrols in the town last month.

Officer Pat Mackshea said: "We now have patrol sites on the High Street and Market Hill in the 20mph zone.

"Most of the 46 offenders were caught in these areas."

The reduced speed limit of 20mph was introduced on the High Street and in Market Hill in June of last year.

But last month, Councillor Michael Pearlman said he had been receiving "daily complaints" from residents about speeding in the town.

The 20mph speed limit became enforceable by law at the end of July, after Essex Police approved locations for the installation of TruCam speed guns in the zones.

Officers said that TruCam speed guns can also be found on Spital Road, Fambridge Road, Park Drive, Mill Road, Fullbridge, St Peter's Avenue and Acacia Drive.

Officer Mackshea told councillors at last night's meeting that Washington Road is also being considered for the installation of speed guns.

The officers also updated members on other offences they have been dealing with in the town.

Last week, they handed a £150 fine to someone for dropping litter on Maldon High Street.

They prosecuted another resident for flytipping on Limebrook Way, while a further two cases concerning flytipping in Maldon are set to be heard in court.