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More than 170 motorists were arrested for traffic offences in a two week crackdown on dangerous driving on London’s roads.

Offenders clocked up a total of 4,758 offences during the blitz - including 507 motorists stopped for using their phone while driving and 559 caught for driving without insurance.

Police also dealt with 519 cycling offences such as red light jumping.

A total of 176 motorists were arrested in the operation which is part of the Transport for London’s Vision Zero bid to eliminate death and serious injury on London’s roads by 2041.

The Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, which is part funded by TfL, mobilised officers from across its 2,000 strong unit to take part in the crackdown.

Motorists were arrested for offences including drink or drug driving, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Police found a total of 1,394 mechanical defects on cars and other vehicles stopped during the two week drive which ended on Sunday.

Last year almost 4,000 people were killed or seriously injured on London roads. TfL figures show 131 people were killed and 3,750 were seriously injured.

Siwan Hayward, director of compliance and policing at TfL, said: “Excess speed, mobile phone use and other risky road user behaviour are undisputed contributors to road traffic collisions in London.

“The consequences are devastating for victims and their families. Our message is clear, we won’t tolerate illegal and dangerous behaviour and through our work with the police we will take robust action against those that do. Slow down, be careful and watch out for others.”

Chief Supt Colin Wingrove, from roads policing, said: “The results of this latest two-week enhanced enforcement ‘Operation Vision Zero’ shows that we are prepared to crack down and catch those who break the law of the road.”

Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “Every single death or serious injury results in heartache and tragedy for those affected, and their loved ones. We’re investing record amounts in making London’s roads safer, but enforcement action is also a key part of our plans - cracking down on illegal and dangerous behaviour that puts the lives of Londoners at risk.”

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at road safety charity Brake, said: “Strict enforcement is crucial for an effective deterrent, so drivers in London will know if they break the law, they will be caught and punished. With more than 10 deaths and serious injuries every day in the capital in 2017, London’s Vision Zero approach to road safety couldn’t be more timely.”