An elderly driver whose poor eyesight posed a “severe risk” to the public had his licence taken away yesterday (April 13).

As part of a road safety operation, Essex Police intercepted vehicles near the High Road in Loughton, Lindsey Street in Epping and junction seven of the M11.

After becoming concerned about the driving of an elderly man, officers stopped his car.

The 86-year-old man from Ilford failed an eyesight test, so officers contacted the DVLA and urgently requested that his licence be revoked immediately.

He was taken home and will have to have his eyesight tested and corrected before re-applying for his licence.

During the operation, 52 drivers were stopped for using mobile phones and 75 for failing to wear seatbelts – two drivers were spotted committing both offences at the same time.

Three vehicles were found to have no MOT, and 19 drivers were dealt with for speeding offences.

Two men were arrested for non-payment of fines.

A 39-year-old man from London was taken off the M11 and put in custody, where he remains, and a 34-year-old from Hornchurch paid his fines after being stopped in Lindsey Street.

Five vehicles were over the legal weight limit and two had registration plates which didn’t meet legal requirements.

Another three were seized because their drivers did not have proper insurance and one driver was found to be driving outside the terms of their licence.

Sergeant Dave Rudd said: “Having their licence revoked can be devastating for many people as it comes with a loss of independence.

“However we have a duty to protect these drivers as well as the thousands of other people who use the roads of Essex.”

He added: “When we do revoke a licence at the roadside our officers do all that they can to safeguard the driver’s welfare.

“This often involves giving them a lift home and speaking to their family and friends to ensure they are aware of the situation and are able to support the driver, particularly if a decision needs to be made as to whether they should apply for their licence to be returned.”