Police target uninsured drivers in week-long crackdown
The operation will see targeted roads policing activity to detect, seize, and remove uninsured vehicles from the roads
Drivers across Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire are being urged to check their insurance as police take part in a nationwide crackdown on uninsured motorists this week.
The initiative, called Operation Drive Insured, runs from 10 to 16 November and is led by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) in partnership with police forces across the UK.
The operation will see targeted roads policing activity to detect, seize, and remove uninsured vehicles from the roads.
West Mercia Police said every 20 minutes, someone in the UK is hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver and at least one person every day suffers injuries so severe they require lifelong care.
"devastates the lives of many"
Superintendent Stuart Bill of West Mercia Police said: “Whilst the majority of road users comply with the legislation around insurance for their vehicle unfortunately there are a small minority using our roads that do not.
"Driving without valid insurance is not only against the law, it also devastates the lives of many other road users each year.
"Supporting this national operation is part of our commitment to help improve road safety for all, reduce the amount of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads and to deny criminals the use of the roads”.
"Enforcement is a crucial part of making our roads safer"
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: "Enforcement is a crucial part of making our roads safer, but it’s only one piece of the solution.
"By combining enforcement with education and engineering, we can take a comprehensive approach to road safety and deliver on my commitment to significantly reduce the harm that devastates too many lives.”
Officers are reminding motorists that driving uninsured can result in seizure and possible destruction of their vehicle, a £300 fixed penalty notice, and six penalty points.
In serious cases, offenders could face a driving ban and an unlimited fine.
The campaign also aims to raise awareness of how easily drivers can accidentally lapse in coverage, whether through missed renewals, expired payment cards, or misunderstanding their policy terms.
Police are urging everyone to take a few minutes to check their insurance policy this week to ensure they remain covered and avoid the costly and potentially devastating consequences of driving uninsured.