Uninsured drivers were targeted by Police Scotland in partnership with MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) in a week of enhanced operations on 21-27 January – and 232 drivers were charged for having no insurance.
The Scotland-wide campaign was delivered through a combination of mobile and static road checks throughout the country and involved officers from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Division who were deployed with the latest intelligence to target uninsured drivers in hotspot areas.
In total 232 drivers were charged for having no insurance and a high number of offenders also had their vehicle removed from the roadside.
“These detections demonstrate there are still some drivers who choose not to pay for adequate insurance cover. Although the campaign has now ended, this remains a focus and we will continue to search for drivers using uninsured vehicles which we will seize when appropriate.” – Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Deputy Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland.
Using data from the Motor Insurance Database (MID) – a central record of all UK motor insurance policies – police were able to easily identify and stop motorists that appeared to be uninsured. MIB’s police helpline supported roadside officers by investigating further and liaising with insurers to confirm whether there was valid insurance in place or not.
MIB estimates each year in the UK around 130 people are killed and over 26,000 are left injured as a result of uninsured and hit and run drivers.
One contributing factor behind this dangerous activity is because those driving with insurance are encouraged to display safer behaviour and meet road legal requirements to keep policy costs down.
Evidence also shows uninsured drivers are often involved in a wide range of criminal activity. Each year MIB records a large volume of incidents where an uninsured driver is found without a valid driving licence or using an untaxed or stolen vehicle. Records also show a number of offenders are caught driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Uninsured drivers wreak havoc and devastate the lives of thousands of people each year. This enforcement campaign has been successful in removing a number of dangerous uninsured drivers, but these efforts are ongoing. We will continue to work in partnership with Police Scotland and build on this success to bring justice for the many honest road users who are impacted.” – Neil Drane, Head of Enforcement at MIB.
Drivers who are found without insurance are likely to have their vehicle seized, get six points on their licence, a £300 fine and could face court prosecution. Police Officers also carry out checks for additional road traffic offences.
If a member of the public suspects a person is driving without insurance, they can report it to their local police force or anonymously to CrimeStoppers.
Police Scotland is continuing their crackdown on illegal motorists in a week-long campaign running 11-17 February. Their Road Policing Division will be targeting drivers who flout a range of driving rules that includes speeding, using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt. Insurance checks will also be carried out.
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