Drivers caught using their mobile phone behind the wheel were hit with more than 400 penalty points in a single day during a police operation.

Officers from Essex Police’s Casualty Reduction Section carried out the sting on the A121 in Waltham Abbey last Thursday (October 19).

Throughout the day, some 71 drivers were caught red handed using their mobile phones. Each was give six points on their licence- a collective total of 426.

A total of 104 drivers were dealt with for not wearing seatbelts and a 37-year-old man from Enfield was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs before being released pending enquires.

Six drivers were found to be driving without a valid MOT and four drivers were dealt with because the text on their number plates didn’t meet legal requirements.

Two drivers were found to be driving without valid insurance and had their cars seized. A further two drivers were dealt with after their cars were found to be in a dangerous condition.

Matt Hine, Operational Tasking Supervisor at the Casualty Reduction Section, said: “Throughout the operation the team had to stop a significant number of drivers who were using their phones at the wheel.

“The law around driving while using a mobile phone exists for a reason.

“For new drivers, if you are given six points during your first two years of passing your test, that’s your licence gone.

“Driving comes with responsibility and there is no excuse for taking risks that could see you seriously injuring or killing yourself and others.”