More than 70 people were caught driving without wearing a seatbelt during a day of police action in Essex.

Essex Roads Policing stopped vehicles in Cowdrey Avenue, Colchester, and Lodge Lane, Grays, on Tuesday, August 29.

Officers also found 53 motorists speeding, 12 people using their mobile phone while behind the wheel, 38 vehicles without a MOT or insurance and three people driving carelessly.

The teams also seized 10 vehicles and gave advice to eight other drivers.

Operational tasking supervisor, Matt Hine, from the Casualty Reduction Section, said: “Wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement and really could save your life.

“I would like to thank our community speed watch teams who did a brilliant job on the day. I would also like to thank our partners HM Revenue and Customs and Safer Essex Road Partnership who assisted us throughout our operations.

“We continue to remind drivers to wear a seatbelt, make sure their vehicles are road worthy, by checking lights and tyre pressure in order to stay safe, as well as to prepare for the winter months ahead.”