POLICE traffic officers have mounted another operation in Thurrock, targeting vehicles on the approach to Lakeside shopping centre.

The operation on bank holiday Monday (3 January) saw 18 officers deployed in the area throughout the day, included mobile patrols and vehicle checks in the area.

Officers also carried out speed checks in some nearby residential areas too after we received concerns from members of the community about speeding motorists.

In total 46 vehicles were checked and three people were arrested; two on suspicion of drug driving, who have sinced been released under investigation while their evidential blood samples are analysed, and a third person was arrested on suspicion of driving without a valid licence or insurance who has also been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

• 87 drivers were reported for driving in excess of the speed limit.
• 68 drivers were reported for not wearing a seatbelt.
• 14 drivers were reported for having illegal or missing number plates.
• 11 drivers were reported for dangerously carrying passengers (more people than seats and belts).
• Six drivers reported for not having valid insurance.
• One driver reported for not having a valid driving licence.
• Six drivers reported for their vehicle being in a dangerous condition.
• Two drivers reported for driving vehicles without an MOT.
• Two drivers reported for driving vehicles with obscured glass.
• And one driver reported for not being in proper control of their vehicle.

As a part of the operation five vehicles were seized after the drivers were found not to have valid insurance and two drivers were prevented from being able to use their vehicles until changes were made, to ensure their vehicles were safe to drive. 11 drivers were also asked to remove illegal tints from the front side windows before being allowed to continue their journey. Roads Policing Officer, PC Zara Hanson who ran the operation said: "This work is all about keeping those who use our roads safe. "It's really disheartening to see drivers taking risks, not only with their own safety, but the safety of others as well. "Whether it's having too many people in a car, not wearing a seatbelt or driving a vehicle which isn't in a safe condition, they are all things which put the driver and others at an unnecessary risk." PC Hanson added: "Operations like these are all part of our work towards achieving #VisionZero - our campaign with partners to achieve zero road deaths in Essex by 2040."