POLICE seized 130 cars, vans and motorcycles in just one week as part of a campaign to get uninsured drivers off the roads in Essex.

Enforcement work took place across the county, with a static site set up at Thurrock on two days, focusing on detecting and seizing uninsured vehicles.

Roads policing officers were also joined by Southend's special constables - volunteers who dedicate their spare time to fight crime - on Sunday. Together, the teams seizing a 27 uninsured vehicles and issued more than 50 traffic offence reports.

Three people were also arrested, including a driver on suspicion of drug driving.

Crackdown - One of the cars seizedCrackdown - One of the cars seized (Image: Essex Police)

A total of 130 uninsured vehicles were seized as part of Op Drive Insured last week.

Essex Police led the week-long campaign alongside Motor Insurers' Bureau, which compensates the victims of crashes involving uninsured drivers.

It comes after the firm donated £50,000 this summer to help Essex Police clampdown on illegal drivers.

Uninsured - A Range Rover seizedUninsured - A Range Rover seized (Image: Essex Police)

An Essex Police spokesman said: "This multi-agency approach to the criminal use of our roads brings together a greater enforcement approach to tackling the issue that concerns our communities.Seized - an uninsured motorbikeSeized - an uninsured motorbike (Image: Essex Police)

"Carrying out this vital work means that unsafe vehicles, those with no insurance, tax or MOT, and are the most dangerous on our roads, are seized by officers to ensure road safety for all."

Roads policing officers seized 3,089 uninsured vehicles in the first nine months of this year.

In September, the monthly number of seized vehicles peaked at a staggering 406 vehicles, the highest month on record.

However, Essex Police says it is not complacent and knows there are more uninsured vehicles, whether its vans, cars or motorbikes, which will be travelling across and through our county, putting other road users at risk.