MOTORISTS IN MORAY are being warned to check they have adequate insurance as police promise a crackdown in support of a nationwide campaign to catch uninsured drivers.
Road checks will be carried out throughout the north east with both marked and unmarked vehicles fitted with Automatic Number Place Recognition (ANPR) technology.
Any discrepancies found will be immediately checked with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau records and appropriate action taken where no coverage is found.
Jon Barron from the North East Division road policing unit said: “Sadly, there are still too many people willing to take the risk and drive without insurance or without a full current driving licence.
“Their selfish and irresponsible actions force law abiding motorists to pay a financial penalty as the cost of their own premiums will no doubt rise as a result of this burden on the insurance companies.
“If a vehicle is driven without a valid insurance policy or the driver does not have a full current driving licence there is an obvious road safety risk. The legislation is there to protect all road users.
“With an estimated 1.2million uninsured drivers on UK roads, Police will continue to work to positively influence drivers’ behaviour. Where necessary, legislation will be enforced through the well-established partnerships we have with both DVLA and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.
“When a driver is detected they will be charged and either reported to the Procurator Fiscal or receive a Conditional Offer of Fixed Penalty. The minimum fine they will receive is £300. Their driving licence will be endorsed with at least six penalty points.”
Offenders also risk having their vehicles seized as authority exists under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for Police to seize a motor vehicle that was driven while the driver did not have a driving licence or insurance. If valid documents are not arranged, the vehicle can subsequently be crushed.
Inspector Barron added: “Stay off the roads if you are not legally entitled to use them and don’t put anyone at risk by driving while uninsured.
“If you know or suspect anyone to be driving a motor vehicle while they are not insured then please let us know so we can take action. This information is invaluable to us and I can assure you it is acted upon. Reports can be made to us on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”