ESSEX Police officers seized 30 uninsured vehicles during a targeted day of enforcement in Thurrock.

It took plae on Thursday, 24 April, as part of the national Operation Drive Insured week-long campaign.

The operation was carried out in partnership with the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) and focused on taking risk off the roads, protecting neighbourhoods and keeping everyone safe.

A police statement says: "Uninsured drivers pose a danger to other road users. They are more likely to be involved in serious collisions and those who deliberately choose to drive without insurance are often linked to wider criminal behaviour, including the use of unsafe vehicles, drug driving and other offences.

"By targeting those who choose to drive illegally, officers can reduce the risk of harm, prevent serious injuries and deaths, and disrupt wider criminal activity through positive action."

During the Thurrock operation, officers also found vehicles that were so dangerous they could not be driven any further.

Three vehicles were issued immediate prohibition notices, meaning they were legally unsafe to be on the road and had to be taken out of use until serious safety defects were fixed. Defects like this put not just drivers at risk, but passengers and other road users.

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On Thursday 24 April, officers:

• Seized 30 uninsured vehicles
• Issued 51 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) for offences including:
• Seatbelt offences
• Using a mobile phone while driving
• No MOT
• No insurance
• Driving otherwise in accordance with a licence
• Construction and Use offences
• Issued 3 immediate PG9 prohibitions for vehicles that were unsafe to drive
• Made two arrests for drug driving

Drivers are urged to check that their insurance is valid, active and appropriate for their needs before getting behind the wheel.