THREE people were arrested and 27 were found driving without a seatbelt during a traffic operation in Great Notley.

Officers from Essex Police's Casualty Reduction Section were in London Road, Great Notley, on Friday, as part of a dedicated scheme aimed at reducing those killed and seriously injured on the roads.

During the operation, a 30-year-old man from Basildon was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs - he received a caution.

A 27-year-old man from Colchester was arrested on suspicious of burglary and was later released under investigation.

A 73-year-old man from Colchester was arrested and later charged with theft. He will appear at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Friday, May 4.

Throughout the operation, 27 drivers were found to be not wearing a seatbelt.

Another 11 drivers were caught driving whilst on their phones, with each receiving six points and a fine.

Four did not have valid insurance and had their cars seized.

Matt Hine, operational tasking supervisor at the Casualty Reduction Section, said: “We carry out regular operations like this across the county with our partners to detect drivers using the roads illegally and to deal with them by way of enforcement and education.

"We all have the same goal to ensure the safety of everyone using our roads in Essex.”