The number of uninsured vehicles on Staffordshire’s roads fell by over 1,000 in one month as an ongoing crackdown on insurance dodgers gathers steam.
Cars Behind Bars was instigated by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis.
The campaign has seen almost 700 vehicles seized – some to be scrapped – in less than four months.
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.
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.
“People who drive without insurance can’t hide in Staffordshire. They are being caught and dealt with by having their cars seized and, in some cases, scrapped.
“It seems that the message is well and truly hitting home – with the number of insured motorists on Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent roads rising significantly.
“This is a job well done by officers so far who have taken up this challenge with gusto.
“It’s about fairness for law-abiding motorists who are hit by rising premiums because of these law-breakers. Further good news is that we’ve had an offer from at least one insurance company to begin discussions on insurance premium discounts for Staffordshire postcodes with the greatest successes.”
Cars Behind Bars uses Staffordshire’s extensive automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system that identifies those flouting the law.
As part of the ongoing crackdown, officers were out and about today (Wednesday 4 September) in a targeted ANPR operation across the county and city of Stoke-on-Trent to catch uninsured drivers.
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.
A Cars Behind Bars display – featuring a crushed car – will be on show at this weekend’s Britannia Stadium Big Motor Show in Stoke-on-Trent.
