ELEVEN people were arrested and dozens of vehicles seized in a major police operation yesterday (Wednesday).

Operation Utah saw more than 100 officers from six police forces, plus partner agencies, target criminals and unsafe drivers using the A1(M), the M25 and M1 motorways in Hertfordshire.

Police used ANPR technology and had a base set up at South Mimms Service Station.

The arrests were for offences ranging from disqualified driving and possession of weapons or drugs, to attempting to pervert the course of justice and illegal entry to the UK.

A total of 32 unsafe or illegal vehicles were seized for having no insurance or the driver not having a licence.

Two vehicles were prohibited for being unroadworthy, one vehicle was seized by HM Revenue & Customs for importing contraband and High Court bailiffs seized two vehicles and recovered �900 in unpaid fines.

Police also seized �2,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Insp Andy Piper, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s ANPR manager, said: “This operation is an excellent example of how working together with our surrounding forces and partners can prove incredibly effective in tackling travelling criminals and unsafe drivers.

“While ANPR technology is a tool we use on a daily basis in Hertfordshire under Operation Sentinel, an operation on such a large scale as this demonstrates our commitment to our law-abiding communities to keep the region and its roads safe, and gives a sharp reminder to any criminals tempted to come into the county that they are likely to be caught.”