An ongoing crackdown on car insurance dodgers in Staffordshire has hit a new milestone, with 500 cars seized – some to be scrapped – in just three months.
Cars Behind Bars was instigated by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis.
Mr Ellis said: “The zero tolerance approach on insurance dodgers has proved very popular – people I’ve spoken to across Staffordshire are so enthusiastic about this crackdown.
“It’s about fairness for law-abiding motorists who are hit by rising premiums because of these law-breakers.
“People who drive without insurance have nowhere to hide. They are being caught and dealt with by having their cars seized and, in some cases, scrapped.”
The seized vehicles can be viewed at www.staffordshire.police.uk/carsbehindbars
Cars Behind Bars uses Staffordshire’s extensive automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system that identifies those flouting the law.
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, 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 is set to increase nationally from £200 to £300 this summer.
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.
