More than 40 motorists were flagged down by police earler this month as part of Operation Drivewatch aimed at cars with no tax or MOT.

The joint operation, involving Epsom and Ewell Council, Surrey Police and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), was held on March 10 on Reigate Road in Ewell.

Forty-six vehicles with driving offences were dealt with on the day and these include four for speeding, five for not wearing seat belts, six stopped for intelligence reports, one each for defective tyres and no MOT and one registration number offence.

Out of the seven untaxed vehicles, three were clamped and four were dealt with at the roadside.

Ten cars also received warnings for excessive tinted windows and 11 drivers were given verbal warnings for miscellaneous offences.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Gary Pickett said: “It is always extremely productive to carry out this type of joint operation, not only does it help us to catch people who are driving illegally but it also gives us a chance to educate drivers.

“It is important that we are a visible presence in combating anti-social driving and that our communities have confidence in our commitment to ensure they are safe as they go about their daily lives on the roads."

Operation Drive Watch was derived from the Drive Smart campaign launched in September last year which targets bad driving behaviour such tailgating, bad or inconsiderate parking, using a mobile at the wheel, speeding, drink and drug driving and not wearing a seatbelt.