Bournemouth, Crime, Motoring & Transport, Poole | Posted on November 14th, 2024 | return to news
Uninsured drivers targeted in Bournemouth and Poole
As well as identifying uninsured motorists, police officers found drivers using their mobile phones and travelling without a seatbelt.
A number of motorists were found to have committed motoring offences in a day of action held in the Bournemouth and Poole area this week.
Roads policing officers joined forces with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to target uninsured drivers as part of this week’s national campaign ‘Op Drive Insured’ which is focused on taking uninsured vehicles off the road.
On Wednesday 13 November officers from the Roads Policing Unit, No Excuse Team, a Road Casualty Reduction Officer and the MIB carried out additional checks on motorists in Bournemouth and Poole and six vehicles were seized after motorists were found to be driving without insurance.
Officers also dealt with a number of other traffic offences on the day and 14 drivers were stopped for being on their mobile phones while driving, seven people were travelling without a seatbelt, four motorists were parked on zig zag lines and one driver was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a class A drug and a driving offence.
In addition to this, motorists were stopped for not being in proper control of their vehicle, driving with their vehicle in a dangerous condition and driving without a valid MOT.
Uninsured drivers can receive a £300 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence. If stopped by police, their vehicle may be seized. If you end up in court, you could also receive an unlimited fine and even a driving ban.
Police Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “It is illegal to drive on a road or in a public place without at least third-party insurance and we are committed to removing uninsured vehicles from the road.
“Driving without insurance is associated with an increased likelihood of being involved in road traffic collisions and pushes up the cost of insurance for all drivers.
“Uninsured vehicles can also be linked to other crimes, for example vehicle theft, fail-to-stop collisions or drink and drug driving.
“Not everyone who is driving without insurance is intentionally doing so – we want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to check they have the right level of insurance for their needs.
“While this week marks a specific enhanced response, it is important to note that this type of activity is daily business for our team and takes place all year round to ensure our roads are safe for everyone.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I am pleased to see this aspect of roads policing being robustly enforced and highlighted as part of Op Drive Insured.
“I am committed to ensuring Dorset Police use all the tools and powers at their disposal to keep Dorset’s roads safe and I commend the officers and staff for their work as part of this national campaign.
“I would urge all Dorset’s residents to ensure their own insurance is current and in order. One simple check could help you avoid a costly mistake which may affect your livelihood.”
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