Food delivery driver reported after police seize uninsured, untaxed and dangerous vehicle in Ballymena

A car seized by police in Ballymena, described as in “dangerous condition”

A food delivery driver is to be reported to prosecutors after police stopped a vehicle in Ballymena which officers believed was in a dangerous condition and discovered it had no insurance, no MOT and had been declared off the road.

The vehicle was stopped by officers from the PSNI District Support Team on Sunday evening, 12 July, during patrols in the Ballymena area.

Following a roadside examination, officers suspected the vehicle was unsafe to drive because of what they described as multiple defects.

Further checks also found there was no valid insurance policy in place, no MOT certificate and the vehicle had been declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), meaning it should not have been used on a public road.

Vehicle seized

Police seized the vehicle at the roadside and said it will undergo further examination.

The driver, who was delivering food for a local takeaway at the time, will now be reported to the Public Prosecution Service.

In a light-hearted conclusion to the incident, officers said they ensured customers did not go without their meals.

“The takeaways got delivered as we didn’t want people to miss their dinner.”

Road safety message

The PSNI said the incident highlights the importance of ensuring vehicles are both roadworthy and legally compliant before being driven.

In a statement, the force said:

“Road safety is a priority within the Mid and East Antrim District. We want everyone to enjoy our roads and their vehicles but this has to be done legally and safely.”

Driving without insurance, using a vehicle without a valid MOT where one is required, or driving a vehicle that is in a dangerous condition can each result in prosecution, while a vehicle declared SORN must generally remain off public roads.

The case will now be considered by the Public Prosecution Service, while the seized vehicle is expected to undergo further inspection as police continue their enquiries.