NEARLY 200 motorists were caught breaking the law during a police operation in south Essex.

Officers from thee Road Policing Unit spent Monday monitoring roads in Thurrock, in particular in the Lakeside area.

They also targeted some residential areas following concerns raised by residents over speeding.

In total, officers stopped and checked 46 vehicles, with three people arrested.

But police also reported more than 150 drivers for a variety of offences.

These included:

• 87 drivers were reported for driving in excess of the speed limit.

• 68 drivers were reported for not wearing a seatbelt.

• 14 drivers were reported for having illegal or missing number plates.

• 11 drivers were reported for dangerously carrying passengers (more people than seats and belts).

• Six drivers reported for not having valid insurance.

• One driver reported for not having a valid driving licence.

• Six drivers reported for their vehicle being in a dangerous condition.

• Two drivers reported for driving vehicles without an MOT.

• Two drivers reported for driving vehicles with obscured glass.

• And one driver reported for not being in proper control of their vehicle.

As a part of the operation, five vehicles were seized after the drivers were found not to have valid insurance.

Two drivers were prevented from being able to use their vehicles until changes were made, to ensure their vehicles were safe to drive.

And officers also had to speak to 11 drivers, who were ordered to remove illegal tints from the front side windows before being allowed to continue their .

Roads Policing Officer, PC Zara Hanson who ran the operation said: "This work is all about keeping those who use our roads safe.

"It's really disheartening to see drivers taking risks, not only with their own safety, but the safety of others as well.

"Whether it's having too many people in a car, not wearing a seatbelt or driving a vehicle which isn't in a safe condition, they are all things which put the driver and others at an unnecessary risk."