Lorry blitz finds illegal driving

Half of the lorry drivers stopped by Essex police in a one-day crackdown were breaking the law, the force said.

Officers stopped 47 vehicles on the M25 at Thurrock Services on Wednesday and found 23 drivers over their legal hours or their lorries poorly maintained.

Two vehicles were seized and stopped from travelling further, while another was impounded by the UK Border Agency.

The road policing unit said it also discovered a "staggering" 331 drivers' hours infringements.

Pc Harry Sexton said: "This was another successful operation for us as we continue to ensure our roads are kept safe.

"It demonstrates that drivers and firms still need to improve safety and stop putting people's lives at risk."