Gloucestershire drivers face the risk of having their cars seized this week as police intensify efforts in Operation Drive Insured, a national campaign targeting uninsured drivers to improve road safety and fairness.
New data from the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) reveals that the GL1 postcode area in Gloucester is the highest hotspot for uninsured driving in the county, closely trailed by GL5, GL7, and GL4.
Across the UK, an uninsured vehicle is seized every four minutes. So far this year, nearly 120,000 cars have been confiscated, including around 1,000 in Gloucestershire alone.
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Many drivers unknowingly risk driving without insurance due to busy schedules or simple oversights. However, regardless of intent, the penalties remain severe: a £300 fixed penalty notice, six penalty points on the driver’s licence, and seizure of the vehicle, which may ultimately be destroyed.
Court cases related to uninsured driving can result in unlimited fines and driving bans, compounding the consequences. Beyond legal repercussions, an uninsured driving conviction can disrupt daily life by limiting independence, hindering the ability to care for dependents, and negatively impacting employment opportunities as convictions appear in background checks.
The government estimates the annual economic cost of uninsured driving—including victim compensation, emergency services, medical care, and lost productivity—at £1 billion. Reducing uninsured driving not only enhances road safety but also alleviates significant financial burdens on society.
Martin Saunders, Head of Enforcement at the MIB, emphasized: “While we work on uninsured driving enforcement year-round, Operation Drive Insured highlights the devastating impact uninsured driving has on our communities. Our mission is to end uninsured driving by collaborating closely with police forces nationwide to remove unsafe vehicles from the road.”
He adds, “We’re committed to supporting motorists in staying legal by providing clear information to ensure drivers have proper insurance coverage.”
Drivers unsure about their insurance status are encouraged to verify it for free at the MIB’s website today.