58 uninsured vehicles seized across Northern Ireland during week-long crackdown

Police officers across Northern Ireland seized 58 uninsured vehicles in a week-long enforcement operation targeting illegal drivers, as part of the UK-wide Op Drive Insured campaign.

The initiative, which ran from 10 to 16 November and is supported by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), aimed to remove uninsured drivers from the roads and highlight the financial and safety risks associated with motoring without appropriate cover.

Superintendent Jonathan Wilson said the operation had delivered a significant increase in enforcement activity.

“Normally, on average, we seize around 30 vehicle for no insurance every week,” he explained.

During the campaign, officers conducted roadside checks and targeted known hotspots using Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology.

“During the recent operation, the majority of drivers stopped will have been issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice, which comes with a £200 fine and six points on their driving licence,” Superintendent Wilson said.

Alongside the uninsured vehicle seizures, officers also identified additional motoring offences.

“In addition to 58 vehicles seized, we also made detections for other road motoring offences and these motorists will be reported to the Public Prosecution Service,” he confirmed.

According to the MIB, uninsured and hit-and-run drivers place a significant burden on the system.

Superintendent Wilson highlighted:

“MIB says, using government figures, it’s estimated that uninsured and hit-and-run drivers cost the economy £2.4 million. It is critically important that all drivers check they have the appropriate insurance cover in place before they take to the road.”

He stressed that although the dedicated UK-wide enforcement period has ended, proactive policing will continue:

“While the UK-wide operation has concluded, we will continue to remove uninsured vehicles from the roads.

“Our message is very clear. Check you have the correct insurance in place before you take to the roads.

“When we detect an uninsured driver, the vehicle will be seized on the spot and they will face the full rigour of the law.”

The PSNI has urged motorists to regularly verify their insurance status, including policy renewals and coverage changes, to avoid penalties, vehicle seizure, and potential prosecution.