LISTEN: PSNI crackdown on uninsured drivers in week long national crackdown

By Q Radio News

Police have uninsured drivers in their sights as part of a week long national crackdown. 

The PSNI operation is part of a national campaign developed by the National Roads Policing Operations, Intelligence and Investigations (NRPOII) committee in partnership with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau campaign between 26 October and 1 November.

Inspector Rosie Leech said: “Between 1 August 2019 and 31 July 2020, 7,753 people were detected using vehicles without insurance. Between April and September this year, we have detected and seized 1,087 vehicles being used on public roads without insurance.

Inspector Rosie Leech

“The law regarding vehicle insurance is clear. It is always the responsibility of the  driver to ensure that they have the appropriate insurance cover in place before they drive any vehicle. I would encourage everyone to pay particular attention to the wording of their insurance policy, as sometime people mistakenly believe they have cover to drive other vehicles, but when stopped by police, this sometimes is not the case.

“It is also critically important that drivers read any correspondence from their insurance company and never make assumptions when it comes to vehicle insurance. If you receive a warning letter from “Operation Tutelage” you need to check your insurance documents or ensure you’ve notified DVLA if you recently sold a vehicle.  

“If a vehicle is stopped by the police on a road or public place without a valid policy of insurance it can be seized.  The vehicle would not then be released until a valid policy of insurance is produced and a release fee paid (Including the recovery fee and storage charges). After 14 days the vehicle will be disposed of to recover the costs of recovery.

“Furthermore, the offence can carry six to eight penalty points at a Magistrates Court with the option of a discretionary disqualification and an unlimited fine.  If the offence is dealt with at the roadside by way of fixed penalty, this carries a fine of £200 and six penalty points.”