MORE than 60 drivers were caught for not wearing a seatbelt and 19 caught speeding during a police crackdown.

Officers from the casualty reduction team, along with the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, Essex Community Partnership, Active Citizens, DVLA, HMRC, Transport For London and the School Speed Watch were in Colchester on June 14 as part of a dedicated operation to help to reduce those killed and seriously injured on the roads.

Throughout the operation, 66 drivers were dealt with for failing to wear a seatbelt whilst driving and 19 drivers were caught speeding.

One driver was travelling at more than 60mph outside a school. 

A total of 12 drivers were found to be driving whilst using their mobile phone, each driver was dealt with accordingly.

A 23-year-old man from Colchester was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs as well as on suspicion of theft, he was released pending further enquiries.

Also during the operation:

  • Six drivers were found to be driving without insurance and each driver had their car seized. A further five drivers were found to be driving without a valid MOT and one driver was found to be driving without a valid licence.
  • Five drivers were dealt with for having vehicle defects and a further two drivers were dealt with for driving their vehicle in a dangerous condition. One driver was dealt with for not being in proper control of the vehicle.
  • The School Speed Watch was very successful with 19 cars found speeding outside school. This resulted in 16 engagements with the students, two drivers issued with Fixed Penalty Notices and one driver was reported to court for excess speed, he was driving at 62mph in a 30mph limit.

Throughout the day, DVLA attended and read 5484 vehicles using their ANPR equipped van. This provided them with 62 positive hits which will see drivers receive penalty notices in the post.

HMRC had 34 interactions, 25 required further enquiries and 3 were positive hits.

Matt Hine, operational tasking supervisor at the Casualty Reduction Unit, said: “Working closely with our partners enables us to target those using the roads illegally.

"Each partner brings their own expertise to help make Essex Roads safer through enforcement as well as education to drivers on the dangers of driving illegally.”