THREE drivers have been fined more than £1,600 in total for careless driving around Lakeside.

They were prosecuted after three cars were seen driving too close to each other and for being in incorrect lanes.

The incident took place on the A1306 West Thurrock Way and the M25 at Dartford on the night of September 17, 2016 into the early hours of September 18.

Ryan Coiro, 24, of Godstone Road, Bletchingley, Surrey, admitted the offence via post and was fined £520, given six points on his licence and ordered to pay £90 court costs and a £52 victim surcharge.

Toby Wright, 22, of Nutfield Road, Coulsdon, admitted the offence via post and was fined £425, given six points on his licence and ordered to pay £90 court costs and a £42 victim surcharge.

Ben Whetstone, 21, of Bridge Road, Chessington, did not enter a plea but was found guilty in his absence at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on April 22.

He was fined £660, given six points on his licence, ordered to pay £90 court costs, and a £66 victim surcharge.

Four other people have already been dealt with in connection with the incident.

One was given a ticket on the night of the incident, while three others were offered a conditional offer by post of three points on their licence and a £100 fine, which they accepted.

Car cruising and related anti-social behaviour in the Lakeside area is banned under a Public Spaces Protection Order, which applies to drivers, passengers and spectators.

It covers the area from the A13 between the M25 and the railway bridge, south to the River Thames.

Anyone who breaches the order is liable to a fixed penalty fine of up to £100. Non-payment can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Officers will use all steps to deal with car cruising, anti-social driving and dangerous racing, including seizing cameras that are being used to with the intention of uploading footage to YouTube or social media and a later date.

Officers will also contact insurance companies to check all vehicle modifications have been declared with appropriate actions in the cases of anyone who has not.