Thurrock Council tackles car traders selling on verges
A council is to take steps to clamp down on traders selling cars along roadside grass verges.
Thurrock Council has voted to introduce powers to take action on traders using roadsides as "mock showrooms" following complaints from residents.
Vehicles deemed "a nuisance" or suspected of being sold as a business will be targeted.
Labour councillor Andy Smith said the authority would now be able to fine people or take them to court.
'Lots of complaints'
People selling their vehicles privately close to their homes will not be affected.
Mr Smith said the unitary authority had not previously had a policy on this issue.
He said: "We've had lots of complaints over many years and it's a problem that upsets many people.
"We can either fine people if they carry on with this practice and if that doesn't work we can take them to magistrates' court."