Transport for London (TfL) and the Metropolitan Police targeted illegal, dangerous and careless driving during a two-week programme of enforcement.

Called Operation Vision Zero, it forms part of their joint Vision Zero commitment to eliminate death and serious injury on London's roads by 2041.

Officers dealt with 4,758 offences - more than 800 offences higher than an average two-week period in 2016.

There were 507 drivers stopped for mobile phone use, 654 for speeding and 559 caught driving without insurance and 1,394 for mechanical defects. Officers also dealt with 519 cycling offences such as red light jumping.

Siwan Hayward, director of compliance and Policing at TfL, said: “No death or serious injury is acceptable or inevitable and we will continue to crack down on anyone who is behaving dangerously, carelessly or illegally.

“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 the Met, added: “The Metropolitan Police, in partnership with TfL, is committed to Vision Zero and is taking positive action with those who use London's roads dangerously, carelessly or illegally, to make the roads safer for all road users, reduce road danger, and reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured.

“Driving a vehicle illegally, dangerously or carelessly is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. Not only are you breaking the law but you are posing an unacceptable risk to yourself and others.”