Thames Valley Police have arrested 69 individuals and seized 272 vehicles as part of a six-month operation aimed at tackling uninsured driving in the region.
The initiative, named Operation Scalis, saw collaboration between local neighbourhood and roads policing teams, utilizing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. Working alongside the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), officers were able to identify and seize vehicles for various offenses.
The operation led to the seizure of 173 vehicles for lacking insurance, 105 for having no tax, and 49 from drivers without a valid licence. The arrests made during the operation were related to a range of offenses, including drug driving, drink driving, outstanding warrants, and immigration violations.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police emphasized that while the operation’s primary focus was on uninsured vehicles, any other criminal activity discovered was also addressed. The force utilized data from the MIB to pinpoint uninsured driving hotspots throughout the area.
In addition to the seizures, officers issued 254 tickets for violations such as speeding, using mobile phones while driving, and careless driving.
PC Doug Murphy highlighted the importance of the operation for road safety, stating, “This enforcement enhances road safety and reduces the financial burden on law-abiding motorists in the Thames Valley.”
According to figures from the MIB, uninsured drivers contribute to at least one fatality every week. Simon French from the MIB reinforced the initiative’s significance, stating, “Tackling this issue together isn’t just about getting people to pay premiums – it’s about increasing safety for all road users.”
French concluded with a clear warning: “Our message is simple: There is nowhere to hide. Drive with adequate insurance, or you will be caught.”
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