Ten uninsured cars seized by police in city

‘Operation Morel’, which was supported by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, took place in Lisburn city last week.

Sergeant McDowell from Lisburn PSNI said, “Uninsured vehicles noted by police officers can be seized and impounded at any time, however, we felt that a specific and locally targeted operation would send an unequivocal message that if you choose to drive on our roads without appropriate insurance, you can expect to face stiff penalties.

“Uninsured drivers force up the cost of car insurance for the average motorist, and few of us can afford any extra expense these days. Becoming involved in a collision with an uninsured driver also has serious implications for the road legal driver when it comes to vehicle repairs or compensation, and can also impact upon your no claims discount.
 “All ten drivers of the vehicles seized by police during Operation Morel have now been reported to the PPS with a view to prosecution while one man was also arrested for driving whilst disqualified.

“Each driver must also pay a release fee of upwards of £150 in order to get their vehicle back as well as a storage fee of around £12 per day after the first seven days their car is impounded. 

“Vehicles are only released on production of valid insurance to a police station nominated by the investigating officer.

“All of these sanctions are in addition to any penalties later imposed by the courts.”

Dean Smith from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), the body that compensates innocent victims of uninsured and untraced accidents said, “We are pleased to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland and police forces across the UK in reducing uninsured driving.

“Operations such as these are proof of the important role that the Motor Insurance Database has to play in identifying uninsured vehicles.

“With an estimated 1.2 million drivers on our roads, there is still much work to be done, and police enforcement is playing a vital part in bringing this number down.”

Sergeant McDowell added, “Uninsured drivers put those of us who use the roads legally at risk and impose a financial burden on honest motorists.

“Road safety is of paramount importance to both police and the community and we continue to use all available powers to identify illegal and dangerous drivers and take them off the roads.

“We are grateful for the support of the community in tackling these issues and further operations are planned in the future.”