Uninsured drivers face this warning from West Mercia Police

Operation Drive Insured - a week-long operation developed by MIB (Motor Insurers' Bureau) and supported nationally by police forces will see targeted roads policing activity across the UK to detect and seize uninsured vehicles, including in Worcester, Malvern and Evesham. Last year West Mercia Police dealt with 2,054 drivers for no insurance across the area. Every year more than 130 people are killed on British roads by uninsured drivers and more than 20,000 claims relating to uninsured driving are received by the Motor Insurance Bureau.

Each day, at least one person is so seriously injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, they require life-long care. Every four minutes an uninsured vehicle is seized by police. RECOMMENDED READING: First Warndon walking bus to end school run 'parking rage'[1]

RECOMMENDED READING: M42 traffic: Hour-long queues on motorway near Redditch[2] Those intentionally choosing to drive without insurance are:o Ten times more likely to be a convicted drink drivero Six times more likely to have defective vehicleo Five times more likely to activate speed cameraso Four - five times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision The aim of the operation is to raise awareness of the issue and to encourage motorists to check when their insurance is due to avoid any lapse in cover but to also target those motorists intentionally using the roads without insurance.

Superintendent Steph Brighton of West Mercia Police said: "Driving without valid insurance is not only against the law, it also devastates the lives of many other road users each year. Supporting this national operation is part of our commitment to help improve road safety for all, reduce the amount of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads and to deny criminals the use of the roads." The consequences of being caught without valid insurance can lead to drivers having their vehicle seized and potentially crushed along with a GBP300 fixed penalty notice and six points.

They can also face court and receive a driving ban and an unlimited fine.

To check if a vehicle is showing as insured drivers can look for free at www.askmid.com

References

1. ^ RECOMMENDED READING: First Warndon walking bus to end school run 'parking rage' (www.worcesternews.co.uk)
2. ^ RECOMMENDED READING: M42 traffic: Hour-long queues on motorway near Redditch (www.worcesternews.co.uk)