Joint police operation targets uninsured drivers at Dartford Crossing and in Thurrock
A joint police operation has taken uninsured and dangerous drivers off the roads around the Dartford Crossing and Thurrock.
Operation Scalis, carried out on Friday 20 March, involved officers from Essex Police and Kent Police Roads Policing Units, supported by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
Officers stopped vehicles at the Dartford Crossing and nearby routes to check for insurance and other offences.
The operation focused on uninsured drivers, who are more likely to be involved in serious collisions and other criminal activity.
What police found
During the day of action, officers:
- Seized 16 vehicles for having no insurance
- Reported 2 more drivers for no insurance
- Reported 3 drivers for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
- Issued 2 PG9 prohibitions for dangerous vehicle defects, including bald tyres
Submitted 40 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) for offences such as:
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Non‑conforming number plates and illegal window tints
- Expired MOT and vehicle tax
Arrests made
Two drivers were arrested:
One driver was arrested for drug driving and possession of drugs after being stopped for having no MOT. The vehicle also had bald tyres.
Another driver was arrested after being seen driving on the wrong side of the A13. After a pursuit, officers found he was wanted on two warrants. He was further arrested for dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and having no insurance.
‘Putting others at real risk’
Head of Roads Policing, Mr Adam Pipe, said:
“This was a brilliant team effort.
Most drivers do the right thing, but those who choose to drive without insurance put others at real risk. We know uninsured driving is often linked to wider offending, and this operation clearly demonstrated that.
By taking uninsured vehicles off the road, we are making our communities safer and protecting responsible road users.”
Essex Police will continue to carry out intelligence‑led operations across the county to target uninsured drivers and improve road safety.