Five vehicles have been seized following a targeted police operation in Walthamstow.

The operation, known as ‘Surround the Town,’ along Lea Bridge Road saw Transport for London, Waltham Forest Council and the Metropolitan Police come together to tackle dangerous road users.

Four of the vehicles seized were for driving without insurance and one was a stolen vehicle, which was returned to its owner.

The operation targeted at all road users and focused specifically on Lea Bridge Road due to a high number of collisions and causalities along the road in the past.

Officers issued 35 traffic offence reports, which can result in fines, points on a licence or prosecution, in three days.

Four drivers were caught driving with no insurance, another four caught without a valid MOT and ten drivers were caught using mobile phones while driving.

Siwan Hayward, director of compliance and policing at TfL, said: “Nobody should be killed or injured on our roads. It is completely unacceptable. That’s why we’re working with the police and the boroughs on a new approach to reduce road danger, using an intelligence-led approach to tackle known problems and locations.

“We’re committed to reducing road danger across London and need all road users to help us by following the rules of the road, staying safe and looking out for each other.”

Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “The Metropolitan Police, in partnership with TfL, is taking positive action with those who use London’s roads dangerously, carelessly or illegally, to make the roads safer for all road users, reduce road danger, and reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured.

“Driving a vehicle illegally, dangerously or carelessly is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. Not only are you breaking the law but you are posing an unacceptable risk to yourself and others.

“The results of this ‘Surround the Town’ operation shows that we are prepared to crack down and catch those who break the law of the road.”

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest Council and cabinet member for the environment, said: “Road safety is a top priority for Waltham Forest Council which is why we have been investing in improving our streets through programmes like Enjoy Waltham Forest to make them safer for all road users.

“Lea Bridge Road is a main commuter route in and out of London. Over the past 18 months we have been building segregated cycle lanes, improving footpaths, crossings and better bus infrastructure along the route, as well as reducing the speed limit to 20mph in order to provide added protection for some of the most vulnerable road users.

“Any death or injury on our roads is one too many which is why we have been working with our partners at Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police on this operation.”