THREE people were arrested and 240 cars stopped and checked as Canvey was locked down by police.

More than 45 officers came to the island to crack down on crime and road safety.

Police on motorbikes and in cars patrolled the town and used automated number plate recognition to read licence plates and spot untaxed, uninsured and stolen vehicles and drivers wanted for crimes.

Drivers flouting the law, by using mobile phones while driving, or not wearing seatbelts were also targeted.

Vehicles were taken to checkpoints in Somnes Avenue, Long Road and Folksville Road where they were dealt with by police.

During the day-long crackdown on Thursday, named Operation Surround a Town, police dealt with people committing around 300 offences, including 35 drivers caught using a mobile phone, 166 drivers not wearing seatbelts and 46 vehicles that had an expired MoT.

Another two drivers were found to be uninsured.

Police arrested three people, including a 22-year-old man, from Braintree, on suspicion of the theft of catalytic converters, a 44-year-old man, from Canvey, on suspicion of theft and a man wanted for failing to appear at court for a driving offence.

Road safety officers from Essex County Council also took part in the day of action and gave talks to drivers caught not wearing seatbelts.

Those caught were given the option of avoiding a £60 fine by attending an education class about road safety.

Of the 166 drivers stopped for the offence, 121 opted to take part in the class.

Derrick Louis, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “Even before the Surround a Town day was finished, road safety officers stationed around Canvey had spoken to almost 70 people about safer driving.

“In addition to this, nine drivers were spoken to by pupils from Leigh Beck Junior School, who took part in a school speed watch.

“Regrettably, there were a number of drivers who were witnessed using their mobile phones, or who weren’t wearing their seatbelt.

“I hope the education the road safety officers offered them has made them realise how dangerous their driving was and they will now support our efforts to make the roads in Essex safer for everyone.”