Crackdown on uninsured drivers

Police have launched a crackdown to target uninsured drivers across Tameside and Greater Manchester. 

Greater Manchester Police say its Roads Policing Unit is actively tackling insured vehicles in the region in "a continued commitment to make the roads safer". 

As a result, the force's officers - together with the Motor Insurers' Bureau - will be taking part in Operation Drive Insured this month in a bid to increase the number of uninsured drivers off the roads. 

Hundreds of drivers, according to GMP, have received letters in recent weeks asking them to check they have valid insurance, after their car has been seen on the road despite being shown as uninsured on the Motor Insurance Database. 

The letter gives drivers the chance to remedy any administrative errors, late payments, voided or cancelled policies, or updates for the insurance company with any change in number plate. 

In a warning to drivers, police are keen to reiterate that insurance companies need to be notified of any new private plates or cherished transfers. If they are not, the driver risks being stopped as records will indicate the car as having no policy in force.

If a vehicle is stopped by the police on a road or public place, without a valid policy of insurance, it can be seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The vehicle will not be released until a valid policy of insurance and driving licence has been produced, proof of ownership and a release fee paid including the recovery fee and storage charges. After 14 days, the vehicle will be disposed of.

Driving an insured vehicle can cost you up to eight penalty points at a Magistrates' Court, with the option of disqualification from driving and an unlimited fine. When the offence is dealt with at the roadside, it carries a fine of £300 and six penalty points.

Where drivers fail to obtain insurance and continue to use the roads without a valid policy of insurance, police say they will be targeted by mobile patrols.