Police crack down on uninsured drivers in Devon and Cornwall
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Police in Devon and Cornwall have carried out a targeted operation to tackle uninsured driving, coinciding with one of the busiest travel days of the year in the South West.
The one-day crackdown, conducted in partnership with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), led to the seizure of four vehicles for being uninsured or inadequately covered. Seven additional drivers received fixed penalty notices for not having insurance, and a range of other offences were identified -including drug driving, no MOT, disqualified driving, and even an unrestrained child passenger.
The initiative was part of ongoing efforts to remove dangerous and illegal drivers from the roads and to make the region safer for residents and holidaymakers alike.
Uninsured driving is a growing issue across the UK, with one person falling victim to an uninsured or hit-and-run driver every 20 minutes. According to Devon and Cornwall Police, at least one of these victims each day suffers injuries so severe they require lifelong care.
Sgt James Gallienne, who led the operation, explained: “At least one person, every day is so seriously injured by an uninsured or hit and run driver they require lifelong care. Operations like this aim to educate about and enforce the law in order to reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road and reduce collisions. Devon and Cornwall remain safe places to live and visit and we will continue to be proactive in keeping our road network safe."
Uninsured drivers are not only a risk to road safety - they are frequently connected to wider criminal behaviour. Police have previously linked uninsured vehicles with drug or drink driving, excessive speeding, and organised crime networks.
Martin Saunders, head of uninsured driving prevention at MIB, urged all drivers to ensure their cover is up to date, particularly during the busy summer travel season. “Uninsured driving is a problem every day of the year. However, during this busy period of holidaying within the UK, we recommend that all motorists check they have adequate cover in place and that all details on their policy are as expected.”
With a rise in domestic tourism across the South West, police say they will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols and spot checks to clamp down on illegal driving and make the roads safer for everyone.
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