THE district's border with London proved a fertile ground to catch offending motorists in the latest joint operation between the Essex and Metropolitan police forces.

Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, officers stopped around 150 vehicles last Thursday (May 27), for a variety of offences.

Three vehicles were seized for being driven without insurance, 12 motorists were issued with £60 fixed penalty notices for driving while using a mobile telephone, five motorists received a £60 fixed penalty notices for speeding, and seven fixed penalty notices were issued for other motoring offences.

Three £60 fixed penalty notices were issued for not wearing a seatbelt, one motorist was reported for having no tax for their vehicle, and one person was arrested for the non-payment of fines totalling £4,500.

The joint operation was the second of its kind so far this year and the two police forces have promised many more will take place over the summer.

Loughton-based Inspector Tom Simons said: “The success of these operations is due to the combined efforts working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police. The numbers of officers giving high-visibility presence really has a significant impact on those criminals thinking of crossing our borders to commit crime, no matter what direction they chose. It’s also reassuring for our residents knowing we are out there bringing criminals to swift justice.”