More than 30 out of 61 lorry drivers stopped by police in Basildon had interfered with their tachograph, it has been revealed.

Police who carried out Operation Mermaid said they were "shocked" at the number of people still committing offences in relation to driver hours.

The results of the campaign, which was held throughout the day at Gloucester Park to improve road safety, came as a particular shock to police after a court case last week.

A police spokesman said: "Essex Police is disappointed by these statistics especially in light of Monday's events at Chelmsford Crown Court which saw a lorry driver admit to causing the death of four people on the M11 last summer through a lapse in concentration."

Published Monday, March 18, 2002