Maldon town councillor Michael Pearlman is urging residents to stick to the 20mph speed limit on the High Street and Market Hill.

Councillor Pearlman said he is receiving "daily complaints" from residents and businesses about speeding and noisy illegal exhaust systems in the town.

He said: "Speeding and noisy illegal exhaust systems are changing our town's normally peaceful environment into a dangerous and unpleasant one.

"We have very narrow pavements in the town. With a varied population of young families with prams to the very elderly, and everyone in between, this has fast become an accident waiting to happen."

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

It is now enforceable by law after Essex Police approved locations for the installation of TruCam speed guns in the town.

Councillor Pearlman, who runs Maldon Business Group and sits on the

Maldon Business Board, said: "I have been informed that permanent signage will be in place by the end of the year.

"Maldon is a lovely old town and people love living or visiting here, but unfortunately it's being spoiled by a few who are inconsiderate and apparently unaware of the danger or unsocial behaviour they are creating.

"This must stop."

He continued: "There are people who abuse the system by driving too fast, sometimes racing other cars, some with noisy exhausts disturbing the peace or just parking anywhere on the pavement.

"Enough is enough and we are stamping down on it."

Councillor Pearlman also urged drivers to inform their insurance providers of modifications to their vehicles.

He said: "Failure to disclose modifications to your exhaust system could render your insurance null and void – so if you have an accident, you won't be able to claim on your insurance."

He also raised concerns about vehicles parking on the pavement. He said: "This is extremely dangerous to pedestrians and causes great difficulty for pushchairs, mobility scooters and disabled people to pass on the pavement safely.

"It also causes the problem of damage to the pavement, thus causing another hazard for pedestrians."

Maldon Town Council (MTC) has one special sergeant and two special constables under the Community Special Constable Scheme – they patrol the area and tackle issues of local concern.

Special Constable Bryan Trigg, who was appointed as part of the initiative in November, revealed in a council meeting last month that antisocial behaviour is one of the main issues that the police need to address in the district.

Councillor Pearlman has worked with the council and Essex Police on the issue of speeding in the town for several years.

He said: "We'll be looking out for you. We want to stop this antisocial behaviour in the High Street.

"Enough is enough and it won't be tolerated anymore – The speed limit is now enforceable."