Police have lifted their request for drivers not to stop for officers in unmarked cars today (August 3), after concluding that the risk to motorists in cars is low.

Detectives had advised drivers not to stop for unmarked police cars after two robberies on the motorway involving a vehicle which was equipped with blue flashing lights.

The offending car was a silver Ford Mondeo, which pulled over two separate vans in the incidents on the M11 on July 23 and the M25 on July 25.

DCI Stuart Smith, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “From today, Wednesday, August 3, we will be returning to using unmarked police vehicles on the county’s roads which will at times have cause to stop drivers.

“My team of detectives have reviewed the circumstances of both incidents and alongside the intelligence have concluded the risk to motorists in cars is low.

“That does not mean that the only risk is to van drivers, but the only vehicles which have so far been stolen are vans. My advice to drivers of vans in particular is to remain alert and vigilant and try and establish whether unmarked vehicles are genuine with our control room while remaining compliant with the police vehicle before stopping if you are concerned.

“Since the two motorway incidents there have been no further reports of vehicle robberies in the county prompting us to review this matter.”

In respect of calling 999 while driving, Chief Inspector Nick Lee, head of roads policing, said: “The law states that you cannot use your mobile phone while driving.

“However, we have discretion we can apply and if someone is in genuine fear of their life and we would take a sensible approach in those circumstances.”

Investigations into both robberies are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at the SCD on 101 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk