SIXTY drivers were pulled over for a variety of motoring offences during a joint council and police operation in Upper Norwood earlier this month.

The motorists had their journeys cut short after the team set up high-tech number plate recognition cameras in Church Road.

In addition to those caught breaking the law, a number of drivers had to pay outstanding fines amounting to a total of £3,000.

Drivers caught breaking the law included 12 caught not wearing seat belts; eight with outstanding warrants; six driving cars with too heavily tinted windows; two driving cars in a dangerous condition; and one driving while on a mobile phone.

A further 22 motorists received verbal warnings about their driving or vehicles and three were caught for being unregistered waste carriers and given 21 days to register with the Environment Agency or face prosecution.

Councillor Phil Thomas, the council's cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "This is the kind of joint operation that is often successful in reaping great rewards."

Sergeant Lindsay Chapman of the Crystal Palace Safer Neighbourhood Team added: "Criminals use the road network to help carry out illegal activity. Thefts of lead and fly-tipping are just two of the more common offences in which people will be using a vehicle to help them."