Police seize 272 vehicles in crackdown

Police have made 69 arrests and seized a total of 272 vehicles in a six-month operation in the Thames Valley.

Operation Scalis involved local neighbourhood and roads policing teams using ANPR technology.

Working alongside the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), officers from Thames Valley Police seized 173 vehicles for no insurance, 105 vehicles for no tax and 49 vehicles from people without a driving licence.

The arrests were for a variety of offences including drug driving, drink driving, outstanding warrants and immigration offences.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police said "The primary targets are uninsured vehicles, but any additional criminal activity discovered is also addressed."

Officers used data from MIB to identify uninsured driving hotspots across the region.

254 tickets were issued to people speeding, using their phone while driving or driving carelessly.

PC Doug Murphy said: "This enforcement enhances road safety and reduces the financial impact on law-abiding motorists in the Thames Valley."

Figures from MIB suggest, every week, at least one person is killed by an uninsured driver.

Simon French from MIB said: "Tackling this issue together isn't just about getting people to pay premiums – it's about increasing safety for all road users.

"Our message is simple: There is nowhere to hide. Drive with adequate insurance, or you will be caught."

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