An ongoing crackdown on car insurance dodgers in Staffordshire has hit a new milestone with over 1,000 vehicles seized – more than enough to cover a football pitch.
Cars Behind Bars was instigated by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis.
The campaign has seen cars, vans, motorcycles, mopeds, lorries and even a tractor seized – with many vehicles scrapped – since its launch less than six months ago.
Mr Ellis said: “The zero tolerance approach on insurance dodgers has become the most popular thing raised with me by people I’ve spoken to across Staffordshire.
“It’s definitely struck a chord with law-abiding motorists who are hit by rising premiums because of these law-breakers.
“Over 1,000 people have already had to learn their lesson the hard way. Those who drive without insurance can’t hide in Staffordshire. They are being caught and dealt with by having their vehicles seized and, in some cases, scrapped.
“It’s clear that the message is hitting home as the number of insured motorists on Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent roads has risen significantly during the crackdown.”
Monthly estimated figures from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) reveal there were 1,095 fewer vehicles registered as uninsured in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent in July compared to June.
Cars Behind Bars uses Staffordshire’s extensive automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system that identifies those flouting the law.
Some of the vehicles seized since the campaign launched can be viewed at www.staffordshire.police.uk/carsbehindbars
Chief Superintendent Jon Drake, from Staffordshire Police, said: “In seconds the ANPR system identifies vehicles that are uninsured, as well as those that have no tax or suspected of being involved in other crimes.
“As well as specific operations like today’s, it’s also part of daily activities for officers to seek out and target those committing these offences.”
The fixed penalty fine for people who are caught without insurance increased nationally from £200 to £300 in August. Motorists also face their car being seized, could be summoned to court and be disqualified, and an endorsement of six penalty points. Drivers re-claiming their car when they have proof of insurance have to pay £150 car recovery costs plus £20 per day storage.
