Uninsured drivers targeted in Moray
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
UNINSURED drivers are being targeted this weekend across Moray and Scotland.
Grampian and other police forces are taking part in three days of action, co-ordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS).
The crackdown runs until Monday.
Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Taylor, ACPOS spokeswoman, said: "Uninsured drivers are a danger on our roads. They have no respect for other road users and our experience has shown that they are more likely to be involved in other types of criminal activity.
"During this weekend of action we will be targeting those who disregard the law and when they are traced we can seize their vehicle."
Statistics show that in the UK, uninsured drivers are responsible for around 160 fatalities and 23,000 injuries to road users every year. The estimated annual cost to the economy is £500 million, which includes every legitimate and law-abiding motorist having to pay around an extra £30 per annum on to their car insurance premium.
The seriousness of the offence is reflected in the level of the maximum fine of £5,000, and the automatic endorsement of an offender’s licence with six to eight penalty points.
The courts can also order the immediate disqualification of the offender.
The police also have the power to seize, and in some cases, destroy the vehicle that is being driven uninsured.
Any vehicle seized under these powers will only be released on payment of the fixed penalty and presentation of a valid insurance certificate.
It is also an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle, rather than drive without insurance.
A contravention of the regulations can result in an initial fine of £100, if the vehicle remains uninsured, whether or not the fine is paid, can result in further action including clamping and removing the vehicle.
Offenders may also be taken to court where a fine of £1000 can be levied.
If you want to check your vehicle is recorded as insured on the MID record visit the free service www.askMID.com
If your registration number is not on the database, contact your insurance provider immediately to get the information updated.
