Tackling uninsured vehicles in Essex

On Friday 24 January, Essex Police joined forces with Kent Police colleagues to target uninsured vehicles in a crackdown on drivers breaking the law in the two force areas.

The Essex Police enforcement activities focussed on the Dartford River Crossing and Thurrock which saw them seize 26 uninsured vehicles as part of a clampdown on drivers using our roads without vehicle insurance.

As part of the day of action known as Operation Scalis, both forces were joined by the Motor Insurers Bureau Law Enforcement Liaison Officer who supported the road safety initiative using information held about uninsured vehicles allowing us to stop drivers and take appropriate action.

An additional 43 Traffic Offence Reports were issued that day – meaning 43 drivers using Essex roads will be reported for offences such as no MOT, driving whilst disqualified or dangerous vehicle defects making vehicles unroadworthy.

Four arrests were also made by Essex Police’s Roads Policing Unit.
Officers spotted the tyre of a black BMW was bald, with the cords exposed.

Sergeant Al Kelly said;
This collaborative approach supports our work to drive down the number of road casualties and make roads safe for everyone, an important priority for us in Roads Policing.
While most drivers are correctly insured and uphold the law, there are still people who make risky decisions to drive uninsured on our roads.
Law abiding motorists are put at unnecessary risk by those who flout the law.
We are committed to targeting uninsured drivers to make the roads safe because the data shows there is often a link between uninsured drivers and further criminality.
Our message is simple, if driving uninsured, be prepared to have your vehicle seized and face significant fines and points on your licence.