Warning to North East motorists as Northumbria Police seize 95 uninsured vehicles

Almost 100 uninsured vehicles have been seized by police as part of a clampdown on uninsured drivers.

Northumbria Police's specialist team dedicated to road safety, Op Dragoon, part of Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing unit, supported activity organised by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) by teaming up with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) for the latest crackdown on uninsured drivers.

Between November 11 and 17, officers carried out increased checks on motorists across the force, targeting problem areas which are known hotspots for uninsured drivers and seized 95 uninsured vehicles.

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As a result, a total of 95 uninsured vehicles were seized.

There’s an average of 300,000 uninsured vehicles on UK roads every day, and so far this year, almost 115,000 uninsured drivers have had their vehicles seized through the joint efforts of police and the MIB.

Police Constable Andrew Clark – who oversaw the operation – reinstated Northumbria Police’s message to uninsured drivers. PC Clark said: “We’re committed to keeping our roads safe and eradicating uninsured drivers is a huge part of that.

“Every day drivers take to the road without insurance and risk having their vehicles seized. But it’s not only their vehicle they could lose. Driving uninsured can have consequences that stay with you for life, from the loss of your independence to living with a driving conviction. Our message is clear – don’t have insurance? Don’t get behind the wheel.”

Members of the public caught driving without insurance could face up to eight penalty points, a £300 fixed penalty notice and a court appearance that could result in a significant driving ban and unlimited fine.

People can report a driving offence by sending us a private message on social media, or by using the live chat function and report forms on our website. Anyone who is unable to make contact in these ways can call 101.

If members of the public have captured footage of a dangerous or careless driving offence on the roads, they can submit dashcam footage to the force's dedicated portal.