SPEED bumps could be installed to stop anti-social and dangerous driving on a 24-hour business estate.

Ward councillor Gerard Oxford (Ind, Highwoods) has hit out at the groups of petrolheads which have been regularly meeting on the Severalls Industrial Estate.

The issue has led to noise problems and safety concerns and on Boxing Day three people were injured when a car went into crowds which had gathered for an event in Smeaton Close.

READ MORE: Three hurt as vehicle goes into crowd at Severalls car meet

Since the incident Essex Police have been forced to introduce two Dispersal Orders on the estate in a bid to stop enthusiasts gathering.

READ MORE: Dispersal order being brought in to stop Severalls car cruising

But the measures were only a short terms fix and on Sunday evening, more than 50 heavily modified vehicles were spotted in Smeaton Close and Brunel Way.

Mr Oxford said: "Given the numbers involved on Sunday and the incident last year where somebody lost control and some bystanders were hurt, it is becoming a serious issue.

"Things like this attract people who want to watch and it is not the same as going along to an organised car show. There is often a bit of one upmanship on show and people are driving, often at speed.

"It is a big problem and we are in regular contact with the police about it as soon as we hear them or are made aware."

READ MORE: Dispersal order put in place in Colchester over car cruise fears

Mr Oxford said councillors wanted to see a deterrent, such as speed bumps, installed in a bid to curb the issue.

"The police have worked really hard to try and stop it," He said.

"They are trying their absolute best but as much as we would like them to be they cannot be everywhere at once."

A spokesman for Essex Police said the force has a number of operations to deal with anti-social driving on the estate.

A spokesman said: "We have high visibility patrols in the area and we have previously successfully applied for dispersal orders to help us lawfully move anti-social drivers away from the site.

"We also have an operation in place called Operation Calla, which involves a range of tactics to disrupt and detect people racing in the county.

"The operation has had a particular focus on activities in Canvey, Basildon, Harlow and Colchester and earlier this year more than 400 warning letters were sent to drivers found either racing, cruising or drifting in Essex.

"While we welcome and have no issues with genuine car enthusiasts and motorists’ right to gather, we will not tolerate driving which puts the occupants, other road users and pedestrians in danger of serious injury or even death.

"We continue to work closely with Essex Highways to support speed bumps in Smeaton Close to tackle anti-social driving."

Information and footage can be reported to Colchester police station on 101 or online at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online