PONIES and traps have been spotted hurtling across playing fields in Thundersley.

Riders have been reported on the football and cricket pitches at Woodside Park, near Woodside Avenue.

Police are now monitoring the park to catch those responsible, who are believed to come from a tunnel under the A130 from the Basildon and Pitsea area and riding along Woodside Avenue towards the park.

While it’s legal for the buggies to be used on public highways, PC Clive Hansen, from Essex Police, said highways laws dating back almost 200 years made it an offence for horse and traps to ride in public parks or on footpaths.

He added: “They’ve got to stay on the road. The horse and cart must not enter the grass area, because it’s in contravention of the Highways Act 1835.

“They’re entitled to take their pony and trap on to the highways, but we’re concerned about criminal damage to property.”

The sports pitches are predominantly used by dog walkers.

PC Hansen said: “We’re happy for horses and traps to use the roads, provided they’re mindful of other road users and wear high visibility vests.

“If they’re racing around the pitches, then that’s causing problems. We’d like to catch them.”

Police say they have had reports of pony and trap users frightening people.

Residents have been told to call 999 if they seen ponies and traps on the pitches, or call 101 to report earlier incidents.