TEN uninsured cars were seized and more than 170 drivers stopped for motoring offences during a road safety operation in the Canvey and Benfleet areas.

The operation, held on Wednesday, December 7, was organised by the Essex Police casualty reduction unit and involved local officers, road policing units and special constables.

Officers from the Essex Police commercial vehicle unit carried out checks on heavy good vehicles and vans, Essex trading standards officers checked a number of vehicles and road safety officers gave advice to drivers stopped for offences such as speeding, failure to wear seat belts and using a mobile phone while driving.

A total of 63 drivers attended a road safety training seminar - on the dangers of not wearing a seat belt - instead of being prosecuted.

A 61-year-old man from Grays was arrested on a court warrant for failing to pay a £2,300 fine.