Motorists face road bans and fines as police operation tackles dangerous drivers before summer

A major police operation targeting dangerous driving saw several suspected drink and drug drivers arrested across Essex as officers crack down on road offences ahead of the busy summer period.

Essex Police's Roads Policing Unit carried out intensive patrols and vehicle checks across Harlow and Epping Forest as part of Operation Limit, focusing on motorists who could pose a risk to other road users.

The force said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety as warmer weather, social events and major sporting fixtures bring more vehicles onto the roads.

During the crackdown, officers arrested four people on suspicion of drink driving, with one motorist recording a breathalyser reading of 100, more than double the legal alcohol limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

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A further nine drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired by drugs, as police carried out stop checks, speed monitoring and vehicle inspections across the two districts.

The Roads Policing Unit said removing dangerous drivers from the roads remained a key priority, with drink and drug- driving continuing to be among the most serious offences officers encounter.

Drivers convicted of drink driving can face up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a driving ban of at least 12 months.

Those convicted of drug-driving face similar penalties, including a minimum one-year driving disqualification, an unlimited fine and up to six months behind bars.

Both offences also result in a criminal record, which can affect employment prospects and increase insurance premiums for years.

Officers also issued 146 traffic offence reports to motorists for a range of violations, including using a mobile phone while behind the wheel and failing to wear a seatbelt.

Motorists caught using a handheld mobile phone while driving can receive six penalty points and a £200 fine, while new drivers who collect six points within two years of passing their test can lose their licence altogether.

Police have repeatedly warned that distractions caused by mobile phone use can dramatically increase the risk of collisions, with fines of £500 given to those who fail to wear a seatbelt.

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A total of 189 drivers were caught exceeding speed limits in 30mph zones across Harlow and Epping Forest.

Depending on the severity of the offence, motorists caught speeding can face fines of up to £1,000, three to six penalty points on their licence, a speed awareness course, a driving disqualification, or a £2,500 fine on the motorway.

Police also raised concerns about speeding in residential and built-up areas, where excessive speed can significantly increase the likelihood and severity of collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

In addition to the arrests and traffic reports, officers seized 18 vehicles during the enforcement campaign.

Meanwhile, two vehicles were served with prohibition notices after inspections found they were unfit for the road.

Prohibition notices are issued when serious mechanical defects are identified that make a vehicle unsafe to drive.

Essex Police said: "The increase in summer social events and sporting fixtures can lead to more people taking risks, but our message remains - don't take the risk.

"Driving while over the limit for alcohol or drugs puts lives in danger, including your own, and if you are caught, you could face arrest, a driving ban or a criminal record. Longer-term outcomes mean you could also lose your job, your independence, and seriously harm or kill someone."

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