315 vehicles are seized as drivers flout road rules

MORE than 300 vehicles were stopped and seized in Notts in December and January because drivers had flouted road rules.

In January alone, officers found 119 people were behind the wheel of a vehicle with no insurance cover.

A further 57 were found to have no licence to drive.

In December, a total of 62 unlicensed and 77 uninsured drivers were stopped and their vehicles seized.

Chief inspector Andy Charlton said: "Our officers have a wealth of information at their disposal that can tell them within seconds who does and does not have licence, and who isn't insured to drive a particular vehicle.

"It is disappointing that so many people still seem to think that either they can do whatever they like or that they won't get caught.

"The figures we have released should dispel that idea. But those individuals also need to realise that, more importantly than any penalty points or fine, their recklessness is risking the safety of every road user, including themselves."

Since 2004, the force has run Operation Rustproof to stop drivers who flout the legal requirement to obtain a driving licence and purchase the appropriate insurance cover.

Police officers have legal powers to seize a vehicle from anyone believed to be driving illegally.

The penalty for driving without insurance is a minimum of six penalty points, potential disqualification, and a fine of up to £5,000.

A minimum of three penalty points is ordinarily issued for driving without a licence.

They, too, could potentially be disqualified and fined.

If appropriate, a fixed penalty notice can be issued at the scene by a police officer.

If there is no other person with the vehicle who can legally drive it, it is seized and taken to a duty garage.

The owner of the vehicle must produce valid documentation within 14 days before the vehicle is released.

They will then be charged for the return of the vehicle.

Any vehicle not collected within 14 days will be disposed of.

If you know of someone who is driving without a licence or insurance, you can telephone Notts Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.