MORE than 2,000 drivers have been caught breaking 20mph speed limits in Southend borough since 2012.

There were 2,268 motorists fined, prosecuted or sent on a course for breaking the slower limit. They included 965 in 2012, 978 in 2013, 266 in 2014 in 2013 – but only 59 this year.

Southend Council is due to decide in April whether to bring in slower zones in all residential streets.

Campaigners say the figures show blanket 20mph zones should be introduced across the borough.

Peter Zanchi, chairman of Westborough Community Association, an area that has seen several 20mph zones, said: “If every residential side street is a 20mph zone, that does not give any drivers an excuse.

“It has worked around here very well.

“The roads off Westborough Road used to be two-way. But when they made them one way there were drivers driving down here really fast.

“When they brought in the slower zones, it really worked. You always get the odd white van man driving down here fast, but 98 per cent of traffic stays at 20mph.”

The figures do not include drivers who were cautioned.

The council decided to look into 20mph zones as a special project this year, and will be setting up trials in unnamed areas to see if it works, as well as looking into the effectiveness of it in current areas. If a blanket limit is introduced, it will not affect main roads.

A police spokesman said: “We believe the decline in numbers being dealt with for speeding over the past two years is due to the impact of average speed cameras and motorists becoming more aware of the need to adhere to the speed limit. We are pleased they appear to be having a positive impact.”