Almost 200 vehicles were seized by West Midlands Police traffic cops during a week-long crackdown on uninsured drivers.
One vehicle was seized twice in three days while a motorist on their mobile phone as their two year-old passenger stood on a seat was amongst those stopped in the operation which ended on Sunday (22 October).
Officers from West Midlands Police and Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) put the brakes on drivers breaking the law with 188 motors seized as part of a national campaign.
Vehicles which are seized for not being insured can be crushed or sold off at auction if the owner doesn’t obtain and provide the necessary documents to police within seven days.
Those caught driving without insurance face being hit with between six to eight points on their licence, a £300 fixed penalty notice or substantial fine if the matter is pursued through the courts.
One vehicle was seized twice within days; after initially being retrieved when insurance documents were obtained.
However, although the keeper had insured the car the driver stopped on the second occasion wasn’t on the insurance policy and so it was seized again.
Superintendent Dean Hatton, from CMPG, said: “Unfortunately we continue to see drivers get behind the wheel without being insured.
“Not only is it a criminal offence but it is completely unacceptable and unfair on those who do properly insure their vehicles. We take this matter seriously and are determined to protect the public.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson added: “I introduced police powers to seize and destroy uninsured vehicles as a transport minister back in 2004. This was in answer to the menace of uninsured drivers, who are often in untaxed and unsafe vehicles.
“I know that the vast majority of law-abiding motorists will welcome this tough action by West Midlands Police, as they are sick of paying the price for uninsured drivers.”
Back to News Archive