Banned drivers who continue to get behind the wheel are being targeted by traffic police throughout March.

Police intend to single out those drivers who are likely to ignore their driving bans through tip-offs from the public.

Pc Andy Rowley of Thames Valley Police's roads policing unit said: "We are asking for the public's support.

"If they inform us of anyone who is driving while disqualified, give us details of what car they are using, what route they are taking and what times they are driving, it helps us immensely.

"If a friend, a neighbour, colleague of relative won't stop driving it's a worrying thing. It's impossible for them to get insurance. If they are in an accident with you or knock a child down there's a very small chance that vehicle is going to stop."

He said when a banned driver got in the car to go to work or to take their children to school the police could be there to intercept them. The month-long crackdown follows an operation over the weekend of February 22 and 24 throughout the Thames Valley to catch drunk drivers and drivers who were high on drugs.

Over 48 hours, 444 vehicles were stopped throughout the region and 27 people arrested for drink-driving and three for drugs offences.

Insp Dave Hartin, of Thames Valley's roads policing intelligence and operations unit, said: "If you are disqualified it is highly unlikely that you will be able to keep it quiet."

Call Oxford police on 01865 846000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.