Police seize over 10,000 uninsured vehicles

Date published: 03/10/2006

Under the WICKED campaign, reported last month on Rochdale Online (www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/News/news.asp?ID=2107), Greater Manchester Police is committed to driving down vehicle crime and preventing criminals using the region’s roads.  By seizing uninsured and unlicensed vehicles, officers are helping to make the roads safer, as uninsured drivers are six times more likely to have been convicted of driving unroadworthy vehicles and nine times more likely to have been convicted of drink-driving.  

In addition, they are more likely to fail to stop at the scene of an accident, putting people’s lives at risk.  They are also to blame for increasing insurance premiums by up to £30 for each motorist.  Many uninsured and unlicensed vehicles would not pass an MOT inspection as they are dangerous and unroadworthy, which in turn means that the owner is unable to tax their vehicle as well.

GMP’s Sergeant Paul Philbin, who co-ordinates the seizure notices said: "The number of drivers that are driving on the road illegally is staggering, and we are determined to put a stop to this activity and make the roads safer for everyone."

Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts, GMP’s Traffic Network Section added: "We are leading the way in preventing criminals from using the region’s roads.  Over the last nine months, we have worked tirelessly to seize over 10,000 vehicles.  

"We aim to continue to work closely with insurance companies and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to ensure that drivers who continue to drive illegally will be brought before the courts.  I want to send a clear message to offenders that we will continue to seize vehicles from uninsured or unlicensed motorists, and they will pay the price unless they comply with the law."

Officers use state-of the-art Automatic Number Plate Recognition System (ANPR), as well as the Motors Insurance Database (MID), to detect people driving without insurance.  Those vehicles that are not registered on the database as having valid insurance automatically trigger an alert to officers, who then stop the vehicle.  Each driver that is unable to produce proof of insurance has their vehicle seized and impounded.

Ashton West, Chief Executive of the MIB said:  "Greater Manchester’s efforts are a shining example of what can be achieved by police forces committed to denying the criminal the use of the road.  MIB will continue to support police exercises in our drive to reduce the level and impact of uninsured driving."

To reclaim their vehicles, owners have to prove insurance cover is in place and that they are licensed to drive that type of vehicle.  Also, all costs incurred must be paid, which are £105 recovery and £12 per day storage.  These fees are in addition to a £200 fixed penalty notice, or the fine imposed by a court where a summons option is taken.  If an owner fails to reclaim the vehicle within 14 days, it is likely it will be crushed, scrapped or sold.