Thurrock: Illegal e-scooters and vehicles seized in roads policing operation

Drivers using uninsured vehicles and illegal privately-owned e scooters have been removed from Essex’s roads as part of a targeted enforcement operation.

Officers from our Roads Policing Unit were in the Thurrock district on Friday 12 June carrying out Operation Scalis, a proactive campaign focused on uninsured driving and the most dangerous behaviours behind the wheel.

Results from the road safety operation included:
• 16 vehicles seized for having no insurance
• 4 privately-owned e scooters seized
• 23 drivers reported for driving licence offences and no insurance
• 1 driver reported for having no vehicle tax
• 20 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) issued for Fatal Five offences
• 1 disqualified driver reported

E scooters are becoming more visible on roads and pavements across Essex – but many riders are unaware of the law that says they cannot be used legally on public roads, pavements or other public spaces. Instead, they can only be used on private land with the landowners’ permission because their use on our roads puts both riders and others at risk of serious injury. Officers point out that riders, particularly younger users, may lack road awareness, hazard perception and protective equipment, factors that increase the likelihood of collisions and serious harm.

The policing activity highlights the fact that driving any vehicle without insurance matters because its illegal and dangerous. Insurance ensures that, if a collision happens, victims are compensated, damage can be repaired and drivers are held accountable for their driving. Therefore, removing uninsured vehicles from the road protects everyone.

During the operation, officers issued 20 traffic offence reports for Fatal Five offences, the behaviours most linked to people being killed or seriously injured on the roads and includes:

• Speeding
• Drink or drug driving
• Using a mobile phone at the wheel
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Careless or dangerous driving

National data shows that most fatal collisions involve at least one of these factors, highlighting how dangerous they are. These behaviours increase risk because they:

• Reduce reaction times
• Impair judgement
• Limit control of the vehicle
• Increase the severity of collisions when they occur

On the day, one driver stopped during the operation was already disqualified from driving meaning they cannot legally drive or obtain insurance. This behaviour is taken extremely seriously because it undermines all road safety laws designed to protect the public.

Operation Scalis is part of ongoing work with partners, including the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, to target the drivers who pose the greatest risk by removing unsafe and uninsured vehicles to prevent collisions before they happen and educate drivers.

If it’s uninsured, unlicensed, or illegal, it doesn’t belong on our roads.

By making the right choices, every driver and rider can help reduce risk and keep Essex roads safe.

We're offering more ways for our communities to stay up to date with our work across Essex.

Our e-newsletter, Dispatch, delivers news, information, and advice from Essex Police.

Dispatch is a ‘one stop shop’ for local police news – direct from the source. 

Sign up is completely free and you can unsubscribe at any time.