Police seize 2,246 uninsured vehicles in Northern Ireland crackdown
As part of a national campaign to crack down on uninsured drivers, proactive policing operations throughout Northern Ireland will be run this week to ensure drivers and their vehicles are properly insured.
Operation Drive Insured runs from today, Monday, 9 November until Sunday, 15 November.
"During last year's week-long campaign, 58 uninsured vehicles were seized across Northern Ireland," says The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Head of Road Policing Unit, Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson
“Between 1st January and 31st October this year, Police Service figures reveal 2,246 uninsured vehicles have been seized by officers across Northern Ireland*.
“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,” says Chief Inspector Simpson.
“Drivers should also take the time to read any correspondence from their insurance company and never make assumptions when it comes to vehicle insurance.”
Week of action
The week of action involving Roads Policing Teams, supported by colleagues from across Districts, is part of a week-long initiative developed by the National Roads Policing Operations, Intelligence and Investigations (NRPOII) committee in partnership with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) campaign.
According to 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.
"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," says Chief Inspector Simpson.
“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.
“The law regarding vehicle insurance is clear - before you drive a vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate insurance cover in place."