A POLICE operation to clamp down on driving offences saw 34 drivers fined and six arrested for breaking the law.

Havering Police have just released the results of the crackdown conducted over a 14-hour period earlier this month.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Traffic Unit arrested one person for possession of drugs and five on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

They handed out 20 fixed penalty notices to speeding drivers - some travelling up to 75mph in a 50mph zone, and a further 14 to others who were caught driving while on their mobile phone, while not wearing a seatbelt or without insurance, without a driving licence, without a valid MOT.

The crackdown was conducted across Havering, and on the outskirts, between 2pm and 4am on Friday October 8 as part of the North East Traffic’s commitment to help Romford Town Centre’s Safer Neighbourhood team help tackle anti-social driving and hopefully help reduce fatal and serious injury collisions by reminding drivers of their responsibility to drive safely.

The operation was split into two parts. Mobile patrols were stationed on the “Fast Road Network” - the A12 and A13 in the borough, as well as the A406 North Circular. Other officers, who gave a visible presence to approaching drivers, did static speed checks at various locations on the major roads into the town centre.

Drivers were handed leaflets to highlight the dangers and penalties of drink and drug driving offences.

Investigations are ongoing into the arrests made during the operation.

PS Rob Beckers, of the Metropolitan Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “Speeding vehicles and drink drive offences are part of our core business.

“By conducting this operation we want to send out a message that we will not tolerate traffic offences on Havering’s roads and we will continue to run similar operations across the borough.

“Be safe when you drive, reduce your speed, don’t use your mobile phone whilst driving and remember to wear your seat belt.”

People can report drivers they suspect of committing such offences by using the RoadSafe London website at www.met.police.uk/roadsafelondon.