Multi Force Action Takes 4500 Uninsured Vehicles Off UK Roads

The latest update from the MIB, who have been working with several Police forces on catching uninsured drivers;

4,564 uninsured vehicles were seized earlier this month as police forces across the UK came together to tackle the issue. In support of the ‘Operation Drive Insured’ campaign led by MIB (Motor Insurer’s Bureau), the week of action focused on removing risk from the road and educating motorists on how to stay adequately insured.  

Data released on 10 November by MIB, the not-for-profit that exists to protect people from the devastation of uninsured and hit-and-run drivers, highlighted Thurrock in Essex as topping the leaderboard for uninsured driving defendants, with parts of West Midlands, Peterborough, Manchester, Belfast and Havering also making an appearance. However, targeted action was undertaken across all parts of the UK.  

With over 4,500 vehicles removed from the road, this year’s campaign saw a 32% increase in vehicles identified by officers and subsequently found to be driven uninsured or with inadequate insurance for the vehicle, driver or journey type. In addition, the campaign saw at least: 

The road safety initiative also saw MIB collaborate with police forces, insurers and wider industry bodies to educate well-meaning motorists on the often-innocent mistakes they may be making. These include: 

Not everyone means to drive uninsured, but life can be busy and small slip-ups can happen. Unfortunately, the consequences will be the same regardless of your intention. With these ranging from £300 fixed penalty notice, six points on your licence and your vehicle being seized, to unlimited fines and driving bans should the case go to court, a quick check of your policy could save a lot of stress – and expense – in the long run.  

Government figures show the economic cost of uninsured driving, including compensation for victims, emergency services, medical costs and loss of productivity, is £1 billion a year. MIB, who are responsible for compensating victims, state that at least one person is killed by an uninsured driver every week, whilst at least one person is so seriously injured every day by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver they need life-long care. Tackling this issue not only keeps our roads safe but reduces the financial burden on UK citizens. 

An uninsured vehicle is currently seized every four minutes across the UK, with over 131,000 seized so far this year. However, Operation Drive Insured is an annual reminder of how devastating uninsured driving can be and an opportunity for MIB and police forces to unite in tackling the issue through targeted enforcement and public education. 

Martin Saunders, Head of Uninsured Driving Prevention at MIB, said: “Once again, Operation Drive Insured has been instrumental in drawing attention to the devastation uninsured driving has on victims and the wider impact it has on our society. This year’s result clearly demonstrates the need for such coordinated efforts.  

“We do not want any motorist to drive uninsured, which is why we encourage all drivers to carefully check their policy, ensuring it matches their needs. At the same time, we will continue to collaborate with all UK police forces to identify and remove uninsured vehicles from our roads, dealing with those purposely flouting the law in a robust manner.” 

To learn more about insurance mistakes and to check your insurance status, visit: mib.org.uk/DriveInsured