PSNI seize 2,200 uninsured vehicles on Northern Ireland roads this year - many of them innocently uninsured
Police have seized over 2,200 uninsured vehicles from Northern Ireland roads this year - and are putting on extra resources this week to catch more.
Many of the drivers had valid insurance and were innocent of the fact that they were still not properly insured.
According to Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) data, the Mid Ulster, Mid and East Antrim and Belfast areas are among the top 20 for the highest percentage of uninsured vehicles in the UK.
The PSNI is taking part in a national campaign to crack down to crack down on uninsured drivers, putting on proactive operations throughout Northern Ireland from Monday 9 November until Sunday, 15 November.
The head of PSNI's Head of Road Policing Unit, Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson, said 58 uninsured vehicles were seized during last year’s week long campaign.
But between 1 January and 31st October this year 2,246 uninsured vehicles were seized by officers across Northern Ireland, she added.
“Some drivers detected have assumed their insurance will auto renew, or that their comprehensive insurance policy covers driving other vehicles. Other drivers have been detected using their vehicle for business or reward purposes, some have ‘simply forgotten’ to renew policies, so it is critically important that all drivers check they have the appropriate insurance cover in place before they take to the road."
She added: "All drivers need to make sure they are properly insured to drive on the roads and, while this week we will be working to remove uninsured vehicles from the road, it will also be about educating drivers on what can be innocent mistakes they may be making, not realising they aren’t insured properly."
“I would encourage everyone to pay particular attention to the wording of their insurance policy, as sometimes people mistakenly believe they have cover to drive other vehicles but, when stopped by police, this sometimes is not the case."
A seized vehicle will not be released until valid insurance is produced and a release fee paid – including the recovery fee and storage charges.
After 14 days the vehicle will be sold to recover costs. The offence can carry six to eight penalty points with the option of a discretionary disqualification and an unlimited fine.
If dealt with at the roadside it carries a fine of £200 and six penalty points.