Essex Police has launched a new campaign aimed at irresponsible drivers.

The No Excuse campaign will see members of the Essex Casualty Board targeting motorists who speed, drink and drive, or use mobile phones at the wheel.

The campaign's first operation took place in Chelmsford yesterday, involving more than 40 officers carrying out roadside checks.

More than 140 vehicles were stopped and checked. Three people were arrested and more than 100 drivers were issued with fixed penalty notices.

Last year more than 7,500 drivers were caught using a mobile phone and 8,250 motorists and passengers were spotted not wearing a seatbelt A total of 1,516 drivers were also found to be drink driving or refused to be breathalysed on suspicion of drink driving.