Nearly 1,000 vehicles seized by police in 2009 for motorists holding no insurance

NEARLY 1,000 vehicles have been seized by police since the start of the year after motorists failed to insure their vehicles. Last month alone 120 people were stopped and found to be driving without insurance or otherwise in accordance with a driving lice

NEARLY 1,000 vehicles have been seized by police across the county since the start of the year after motorists failed to insure their vehicles.

Last month alone 120 people were stopped and found to be driving without insurance or otherwise in accordance with a driving licence.

Inspector Alan Page, from the roads policing unit, said: "This work is an important part of making the roads a safer place. The dangers of driving without insurance are many and it will not be tolerated.

"The fact that we continue to find uninsured vehicles on the roads shows that there are still drivers who think it is acceptable to drive without insurance or a licence. These people are a menace and a danger to themselves and others."

Police can seize any vehicle where the driver does not have insurance or a licence. There is then a 14-day period in which vehicles can be reclaimed once the appropriate documentation has been provided.

If the vehicle is not claimed within this period they are either crushed or sold at an auction, depending on their value.

Those caught are also fined �200 and will have to pay a �160 recovery fee and get six points on their licence.

Insp Page said: "We are quickly able to establish whether a vehicle is insured through a variety of methods, even if someone has set up a policy and missed a payment on their direct debit.

"We will continue our robust enforcement of tactics, seizing any vehicles we find being driven illegally.