Basildon: Nine vehicles seized and two arrested after spot checks

Nine vehicles were seized and two men were arrested after a proactive operation in Basildon by the Roads Policing team.

Officers were stationed by a roundabout off one of the main link roads into the town to spot any vehicle or driving offences.

Drivers were then directed into an adjacent car park where their details were checked.

More than 60 vehicles were stopped over the course of the day as the Roads Policing team worked alongside members of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP).

A van driver was arrested for the possession of an offensive weapon and the vehicle he was driving was seized after previously being reported as stolen.

Another man was arrested for drug driving, and eight other vehicles were seized for either being uninsured or the driver not having a valid licence.

The operation was led by PC Mike Bignell of the Road Crime team.

He said: “Today we carried out a static road check for Vision Zero, the aim of which is to reduce instances of people being killed or seriously injured on the roads of Essex.

“We had officers stationed to spot offences such as people not wearing seatbelts, using mobile phones, and vehicles lacking number plates or having tinted windows.

“We want people to be safe on the roads – wearing seatbelts, with licences and insurance. However, there are a small minority who don’t wish to follow the rules. Our job is to stop them.

“The reaction from the people we’ve pulled over today has been very positive, they’re pleased we’re here to keep the roads safe.”

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan joined the team on the operation.

She added: “Our officers are out on the roads every day of the year tackling criminality and this operation is part of our ongoing work to improve road safety and arrest those breaking the law.

“The people we’ve spoken to today have all taken the advice and been happy with the interaction – even the ones who have committed offences.

“Being visible in communities is absolutely key. The public tell us they like seeing us, they find it reassuring and we appreciate the impact it has.”

Help us reduce road collisions and casualties in Essex and make our roads even safer. Report instances of poor and dangerous driving through Safer Essex Roads Partnership's Extra Eyes initiative.

More than ever, irresponsible, dangerous and illegal road behaviour is being recorded by road users. Through Extra Eyes this footage can be sent to, and reviewed by, an investigator within Road Policing at Essex Police.

Find out how by visiting Safer Essex Roads Partnership website.