Car insurance news
Police target drivers with no car insurance
Police on the Isle of Wight seized 83 vehicles during a week-long crackdown on car crime, it has been revealed.
The joint venture with the DVLA was part of an initiative to target vehicles without road tax or car insurance, the drivers of which are often involved in other criminal activities such as burglary, violence, drugs and anti-social behaviour.
Jeff Mumford from the DVLA said, “The drivers of untaxed cars are often involved in some other form of criminal activity, whether that be transporting drugs or driving without motor insurance or MOT- both of which have a direct impact on the community and other motorists.”
New road tax laws have recently come into force in Britain, meaning that a vehicle owner is liable to receive an £80 fine if their tax disc is not renewed on time. This is reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days, but if it remains unpaid, offenders can face a minimum fine of £1,000.
This change in the rules helps police to battle car crime by making more vehicles traceable and reducing the pool of unsafe and unregistered cars that can be used easily by criminals. As car tax can only be bought on production of a valid MOT certificate and proof of car insurance, the rule change also reduces the number of illegal cars in use.
The intention of the seven-day project was to demonstrate the commitment of both Hampshire Police and the DVLA to improve road safety and clean up vehicle crime, and has been hailed as a rousing success. Mr Mumford said, "We know who these people are, where they are and what vehicles they drive and now with the help of the police, our answer is simple: we’re taking your car, no more warnings."