Traffic cops crack down on uninsured motorists
MOTORISTS who flout the law by driving without insurance will be targeted by cops today as part of a nationwide crackdown.
Police Scotland will partner up with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) for a week of action which will run to Sunday.
Traffic cops will use the latest intelligence to focus on known uninsured drivers and hotspots – and roadside checks will be carried out as part of their crackdown tactics.
Those found to be breaking the law are warned they face points, fines and having their vehicle seized and potentially crushed.
Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, head of road policing for Police Scotland, said: “Officers will be using the latest intelligence to target potential uninsured drivers and hotspots, and by doing this we hope to minimise the inconvenience caused to the general public while maximising the effectiveness of the operation.
“We are committed to achieving the Scottish Government’s 2020 casualty reduction targets.
“The MIB states that more than 26,000 people are injured every year by uninsured drivers, and so Police Scotland will continue to target uninsured drivers, as they present an unnecessary risk to other road users.”
Neil Drane, Head of Enforcement Services, at MIB added: “There are thousands of uninsured vehicles in Scotland, with officers from across Scotland seizing in excess of 8000 vehicles during 2016 through their partnership approach with MIB.
“This is a considerable increase on the number of vehicles seized in 2015 and shows our determination to stop those drivers using uninsured vehicles and remove their vehicles from the roads.
“The MIB will provide close support to the operation, in terms of increased staffing at their Police Helpline facility and by attending several roadside checks.”