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The PSNI are carrying out operations this week to check that drivers and their vehicles are properly insured. Operation Drive Insured runs from today, Monday 9 November, until Sunday 15 November. It forms part of a national campaign to crack down on uninsured drivers.
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Police Service figures show that 2,246 uninsured vehicles were seized by officers between 1 January and 31 October this year.
Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson, the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Head of Road Policing Unit, said last year’s campaign had also resulted in seizures. “During last year’s week-long campaign, 58 uninsured vehicles were seized across Northern Ireland,” she said.
The week of action involves Roads Policing Teams, supported by colleagues from Districts. It is part of a week-long initiative developed by the National Roads Policing Operations, Intelligence and Investigations (NRPOII) committee in partnership with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) campaign.
According to MIB data, the Mid Ulster, Mid and East Antrim and Belfast areas are among the top 20 for the highest percentage of uninsured vehicles in the UK.
Chief Inspector Simpson said the week would be about education as well as enforcement. “All drivers need to make sure they are properly insured to drive on the roads and, while this week we will be working to remove uninsured vehicles from the road, it will also be about educating drivers on what can be innocent mistakes they may be making, not realising they aren’t insured properly,” she said.
She explained some of the reasons drivers are being detected. “Some drivers detected have assumed their insurance will auto renew, or that their comprehensive insurance policy covers driving other vehicles. Other drivers have been detected using their vehicle for business or reward purposes, some have ‘simply forgotten’ to renew policies, so it is critically important that all drivers check they have the appropriate insurance cover in place before they take to the road,” she said.
Chief Inspector Simpson urged drivers to look closely at their policy. “I would encourage everyone to pay particular attention to the wording of their insurance policy, as sometimes people mistakenly believe they have cover to drive other vehicles but, when stopped by police, this sometimes is not the case.
“Drivers should also take the time to read any correspondence from their insurance company and never make assumptions when it comes to vehicle insurance.”
She added: “The law regarding vehicle insurance is clear - before you drive a vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate insurance cover in place.”
