North Wales Police seize 14 vehicles in uninsured driver operation
An operation targeting uninsured drivers on North Wales roads has continued throughout November.
North Wales Police became the first force in Wales to join Operation Scalis on 1 November.
The UK wide initiative is led by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau and focuses on tackling uninsured driving.
Officers from the Roads Crime Unit have been carrying out dedicated enforcement days using automatic number plate recognition technology to identify vehicles being driven without insurance and to take enforcement action.
The work is supported by Motor Insurers’ Bureau funding and has focused on postal areas with higher levels of uninsured driving, identified through uninsured collision claims data. Fourteen vehicles have been seized under Operation Scalis.
Police say issues found during stops have included a newly licensed driver who had his insurance cancelled due to non compliance with telematics, a disqualified driver using invalid insurance, and a recovery truck being used outside the permitted conditions of a personal motor trade policy.
Between 1 and 25 November, officers have seized 136 vehicles under Section 165 powers.
Sergeant Alun Jones of the Roads Crime Unit said: “Reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads remains our priority and removing uninsured drivers from our roads helps to do just that. We’re pleased to be part of the MIB’s Operation Scalis, a proactive ANPR initiative that enhances road safety and reduces the financial impact on law abiding motorists across North Wales.
“Of course, we patrol the roads of North Wales 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will deal with whatever we come across, this is about keeping everyone safe on the roads. We know there is a clear link between uninsured drivers and criminality and operations like these have an important part to play in making our roads safer for all.
“Whilst the primary target is uninsured vehicles, any additional criminal activity discovered is also addressed, we’ve already seen offences such as drug driving, driving whilst disqualified, possession of drugs and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
“We understand that sometimes genuine mistakes can happen when it comes to insurance policies, however drivers need to take personal responsibility and before getting behind the wheel, to check their policy and make sure they are fully insured before commencing on their journey.”
Operation Scalis also aims to raise awareness about the consequences of driving without insurance.
These can include a £300 fixed penalty fine, six penalty points, vehicle seizure, unlimited fines and driving bans through court, and an average £1,000 increase in future insurance premiums.
Sergeant Jones said: “Our message is simple, if driving uninsured, be prepared to have your vehicle seized and face significant fines and points on your licence.”
To check if your vehicle is insured, visit Navigate, the central record of all live insurance policies run by MIB – www.checkyourvehicle.org.uk
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