North Wales Police launch campaign against uninsured drivers
North Wales Police has joined a nationwide initiative to tackle the issue of uninsured drivers, a problem that costs the UK economy over £2.4 billion annually and contributes to dangerous road conditions.
The week-long campaign, Operation Drive Insured, began on Monday (November 11) and involves increased road policing across the region.
Officers are using Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology alongside mobile and static road checks to identify and remove uninsured vehicles from the roads.
Inspector Leigh Evans of the Roads Crime Unit explained the broader impact of uninsured driving, saying:
“Uninsured drivers are significantly more likely to cause a death or injury on the road and are also often involved in wider road crime.”
Statistics from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) highlight the scale of the problem.
Last year, more than 129,000 uninsured vehicles were seized across the UK, and 35,000 victims made claims after being injured by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers.
On average, 300,000 uninsured vehicles are on UK roads daily, and someone is hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver every 20 minutes.
The campaign aims to protect law-abiding motorists and reduce the number of road traffic collisions, which often have devastating consequences for victims and their families. Inspector Evans added:
“We witness far too often the devastation a road collision has on those involved, their families and the wider community. When this also involves an uninsured driver, there is also the financial cost associated with it.”
Uninsured drivers face severe penalties, including a £300 fixed penalty, six licence points, and the possibility of their vehicle being seized and crushed.
They may also be referred to court, where they could receive an unlimited fine or driving ban.
The public is urged to check their vehicle’s insurance status for free at askMID.com. Additionally, those aware of uninsured drivers are encouraged to report them by calling the police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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