Police operation launched to cut uninsured driving in North Wales
North Wales Police have joined a national initiative aimed at tackling uninsured driving, becoming the first police force in Wales to take part in Operation Scalis.
The operation, led by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), uses targeted enforcement and driver education to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles on UK roads.
North Wales Police seize an average of 82 vehicles each month across the region. By joining Operation Scalis, they plan to increase enforcement and reduce risks to law-abiding motorists.
Operation Scalis brings together roads policing teams across the country, supported by funding from MIB. Officers use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to detect uninsured vehicles, focusing on areas with high levels of uninsured driving identified through collision and insurance data.
During the first day of action in North Wales, vehicles seized included a newly licensed driver whose insurance had been cancelled due to non-compliance with telematics, a disqualified driver with invalid insurance, and a recovery truck being used outside the conditions of a motor trade policy.
The initiative will also address any additional offences discovered during enforcement, while raising public awareness of the risks and penalties linked to uninsured driving. These include fixed fines, penalty points, disqualification, vehicle seizure, and significantly higher future premiums.
Sergeant Alun Jones of the Roads Crime Unit at North Wales Police 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.
“Many people will see uninsured driving as a victimless crime at best, or as only impacting on the profits of large insurance companies at worst, but this is not the case. Uninsured drivers are significantly more likely to cause a death or injury on the road and are also often involved in wider road crime. 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.
“We are urging all drivers to respect other road users and drive insured. Protecting the public and keeping our roads safe for everyone is our priority and removing uninsured drivers from our roads helps to do that.”
Hayley Sutcliffe, Law Enforcement Liaison Officer at MIB, said:
“We’re pleased to welcome North Wales Police as the first Welsh force to join this national initiative. Their involvement strengthens the collaborative effort to tackle uninsured driving.
“Uninsured driving is not just a legal issue; it has real consequences for road safety and for victims who are left vulnerable when collisions occur. By working together, we can better identify uninsured vehicles and act more efficiently.
“This partnership also gives us an opportunity to raise awareness among the public about the consequences of driving without insurance and some simple checks to avoid common insurance mistakes. Education is key to prevention, and we’re committed to supporting police forces in both enforcement and awareness.”
Drivers can check if their vehicle is insured by visiting www.checkyourvehicle.org.uk, the official MIB database of live insurance policies.
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