MORE than 20 people were reported for traffic offences during a police operation in Maldon on Friday.

Essex Police’s Casualty Reduction Section held a dedicated traffic operation in the town during the day to tackle anti-social driving in the area following concerns raised by residents.

A total of 25 people were reported for traffic offences during the operation, including speeding, careless driving, altered exhaust systems and illegal number plates.

Two warnings were issued to two people driving in an anti-social manner.

Three drivers had their vehicles seized after they were found to be driving without valid insurance.

Also during the operation, a 21-year-old man from Maldon was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs.

He has been released under investigation.

A 44-year-old man from Maldon was also arrested and charged for being drunk and disorderly.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on June 13.

There have been several incidents of dangerous driving within the Maldon district in the past year.

In March, Jorge Hammond, of Heybridge, sentenced to 26 weeks in prison after he admitted driving with no license and ramming into a police car when they attempted to arrest him.

Matt Hine, supervisor at the Casualty Reduction Section, said: “After listening to local concerns, we held an operation in the area to target anti-social driving.

“We spoke to a number of drivers throughout the operation that were driving legally and will continue to crack down on the minority of drivers that think it’s acceptable to drive dangerously.”