Protecting road users from uninsured drivers

Motorists in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire are being reminded of the consequences and implications of driving without valid insurance.

‘Operation Drive Insured’ - a week-long operation developed by MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) and supported nationally by police forces will see targeted roads policing activity across the UK to detect and seize uninsured vehicles.

Detecting vehicles with no insurance is a year round commitment for us. In support of the Safer West Mercia Plan enforcement takes place across the three counties 24/7, ensuring that all our road users are kept safe. Last year we dealt with 2054 for no insurance across the area.

Every year more than 130 people are killed on the roads of Great Britain by uninsured drivers and more than 20,000 claims relating to uninsured driving are received by the Motor Insurance Bureau. Each day, at least one person is so seriously injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, they require life-long care. Every four minutes an uninsured vehicle is seized by police.

Those intentionally choosing to drive without insurance are:
• Ten times more likely to be a convicted drink driver
• Six times more likely to have defective vehicle
• Five times more likely to activate speed cameras
• Four - five times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision

The aim of the operation is to raise awareness of the issue and to encourage motorists to check when their insurance is due to avoid any lapse in cover but to also target those motorists intentionally using the roads without insurance.

Superintendent Steph Brighton of West Mercia Police said:
“Whilst the majority of road users comply with the legislation around insurance for their vehicle unfortunately there are a small minority using our roads that do not. Driving without valid insurance is not only against the law, it also devastates the lives of many other road users each year. Supporting this national operation is part of our commitment to help improve road safety for all, reduce the amount of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads and to deny criminals the use of the roads”.

The consequences of being caught without valid insurance can lead to drivers having their vehicle seized and potentially crushed along with a £300 fixed penalty notice and six points. They can also face court and receive a driving ban and an unlimited fine. To check if a vehicle is showing as insured drivers can look for free at www.askmid.com