Police have hailed a new month-long road surveillance operation as a success after making ten arrests and catching over 500 minor offenders.

Officers have been using the new Automated Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR) since early August in Pitsea, central Basildon, Wickford and Laindon.

The new device allows passing vehicles to be matched with a national database and alerts police units to any offences associated with that registration.

Since the technology was first rolled out a man has been arrested for driving while disqualified, another for driving with no licence, no insurance and no MOT and another for drink driving.

In addition others were arrested for the theft of a car, providing false details, and two for evading court summons.

PC James O'Connell, of the ANPR unit, said: "In the past month there have been ten prisoners, with three stolen vehicles recovered and four people reported for using a fraudulent tax disc.

"This operation has been organised to deal with those persons involved in crime, and without the minimum requirements of a licence and insurance.

"We are looking to remove people and vehicles from the road that are making it a dangerous place for the rest of the law abiding members of the public.

"We are not operating a speed camera. We are using modern technology as a crime prevention and detection tool.

"This technology is making the roads a safer place, and in turn making Essex a safer place."