A joint operation between Essex and Metropolitan Police saw 16 people arrested for numerous driving offences on the A13 on Friday.

Using intelligence led policing and technology, officers jointly patrolled stretches of the road from Wennington in Havering, through Chigwell in Redbridge to as far as Waltham Abbey and Ongar.

Matt Hine, Operational Tasking Supervisor at Essex Police’s Casualty Reduction Section, said: “This was an excellent operation which demonstrated that criminals see no force boundaries and those offending in Essex are also offending in the Met area and Hertfordshire.

“All forces that took part worked together in a clear collaborative approach which collectively achieved really good results.”

Throughout the operation, three people were arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs.

These were a 20-year-old man from Romford, a 26-year-old man from Westcliff and a 38-year-old woman from London and all were arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs. Each driver was released pending further enquiries.

Other offences that saw people arrested included supply of a controlled drug, dangerous driving and possession of Class A drugs.

The majority of offenders were released pending further enquiries, though a 29-year-old from Chelmsford was charged with dangerous driving and failure to provide a specimen for analysis.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on November 21.

Eleven people were also warned for failing to wear a seatbelt, while seven cars were seized after their owners were found to be driving without valid insurance.

For six people who were seen using their mobile phones behind the wheel, police officers had an unwelcome early Christmas present - six points on their licence and an on-the-spot fine.