Drivers urged to make checks as police target specific offence in North Wales

Officers from North Wales Police are targeting uninsured drivers as part of a wider UK campaign. The Roads Crime Unit, supported by colleagues from other policing teams, are backing the week-long initiative as part of the Force’s commitment to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads.

Operation Drive Insured began on Monday and has seen an increase in roads policing activity across the region in a bid to detect and seize uninsured vehicles that are being used on the road network illegally and irresponsibly.

Members of the public are encouraged to check that their vehicle is appearing as insured.

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Developed by MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) in partnership with the National Roads Policing Operations, Intelligence, and Investigations (NRPOII) committee, the week of action is an annual date in the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) road safety calendar.

Figures from MIB show that last year, more than 129,000 uninsured vehicles were seized, and there were 35,000 claims from victims who were injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver across the UK. Evidence from MIB shows there are on average 300,000 uninsured vehicles on the UK roads every day and that every 20 minutes, someone is hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver in the UK.

The actions of uninsured drivers have a huge physical, emotional and economic impact, which costs the UK economy more than £2.4 billion a year. They are also more likely to be involved in other crimes be it using a stolen vehicle, driving while disqualified or without a valid driving licence as well as drink or drug driving.

One of the reasons for this is that unlike insured drivers, those who are uninsured aren’t motivated to display safer behaviour and meet the basic legal requirements designed to keep policy costs down.

MIB requires £500 million each year to provide financial support to those who are involved in road collisions with uninsured and hit-and-run drivers, which is funded by insurers and ultimately consumers.

Inspector Leigh Evans of the Force’s 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. Using ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) technology available, we will be carrying out a combination of mobile and static road checks, throughout Operation Drive Insured.

“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.

“This campaign is important to protect the majority of law abiding drivers using our roads in north Wales.

“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.”

Drivers without insurance face their vehicle being seized and potentially crushed, along with a £300 fixed penalty notice and six licence points. They can also be referred to court and face an unlimited fine and a driving ban.

Uninsured convictions also show on basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks which can impact employment prospects. Members of the public are encouraged to check that their vehicle is appearing as insured on the MID for free at www.askmid.com or to contact their insurer for support.

If you know someone who is driving uninsured, please report them to the police on 101 the non-emergency number or report anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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