Targeting uninsured drivers

On Tuesday 15 November police in Haringey seized 10 cars in High Road Tottenham during the second day of action by the Metropolitan Police to crack down on uninsured drivers. In total across London 400 vehicles were seized and 71 arrests made.

The previous day of action on Wednesday 19 October saw officers in Haringey seize 34 vehicles, with a total of 558 vehicles seized and 76 arrests made across London.

This brings the total number of vehicles seized over the two days of action to 958 and the total number of arrests to 147.

Officers from across London’s 32 boroughs supported by traffic police, the Territorial Support Group, Heathrow Airport, the Safer Transport Command and the City of London Police targeted uninsured drivers in a co-ordinated series of operations across the capital.

The follows a commitment by Commissioner Hogan-Howe to target criminals and disrupt their activities. Uninsured drivers are more likely to be involved in criminal activity, five times more likely to be involved in collisions and less likely to have vehicles in a road-worthy condition.

Offences that people were arrested for included; handling stolen goods, possession of offensive weapons [including a stun gun], drugs possession and intent to supply and driving whilst disqualified.

Commander Steve Watson who led the operation said:

"The Metropolitan Police will not tolerate uninsured driving and we will continue to work to seize uninsured vehicles. Our message to uninsured drivers is to get it sorted immediately, otherwise we will seize your vehicle and prosecute you - it's just a matter of time."

Haringey Borough Commander Det Chief Supt Sandra Looby reiterated her support of the operation, saying:

The penalty for driving a vehicle without insurance is six penalty points and a £200 fine

To find out more, or to report dangerous or illegal road users, visit

"These operations are about deterring crime and making the roads safer for everyone. My officers will continue to carry out operations to seize uninsured vehicles and make Haringey safer."
"I am pleased to see that as the result of a second day of action, even more uninsured drivers have been taken off the capital's roads. and can even lead to a driving ban. In 2010 the MPS seized 34,000 vehicles and prosecuted thousands of people.www.met.police.uk/roadsafelondon