The City of London Police has seized hundreds of uninsured vehicles across the region with drivers warned they risk having their cars crushed for breaking the rules.
Reports revealed that the police seized a staggering 861 uninsured vehicles last year, marking an 11 per cent increase from the previous year.
The results highlighted the force's commitment to road safety and law enforcement in the region, where uninsured vehicles have continued to pose significant risks.
The unit worked closely with the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), the UK entity responsible for reducing uninsured driving and compensating victims of uninsured collisions.
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A third of seized vehicles by police end up being crushed and destroyed
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Last year, officers participated in the nationwide MIB-led initiative Operation Drive Insured. They also collaborated with MIB on Operation Giant, a City Police initiative targeting all areas of criminality both within and passing through the city.
The operation found overwhelming links between uninsured driving and wider criminality, with over 60 per cent of uninsured vehicles seized through Operation Tutelage found to have connections to serious secondary offences.
During Operation Drive Insured, which launched in November, officers seized an uninsured vehicle containing cannabis with a street value of £35,000.
Another traffic stop resulted in a possession with intent to supply charge after multiple wraps of cocaine were discovered inside the vehicle.
These cases highlight how routine insurance checks often uncover more serious criminal activity on our streets, the police explained.
City Police officers utilise sophisticated data provided by the MIB and partners to identify potential uninsured vehicles on the road. This includes Navigate, the central record of all active motor insurance policies managed by MIB.
Officers also rely on Operation Tutelage markers, where vehicles passing Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras are compared to data held on records.
Under UK law, if a driver cannot provide proof of insurance, the vehicle can beimmediately seized with a third of these cases seeing vehicles "ultimately crushed".
Vehicles will only be released to their owners once valid insurance has been purchased with drivers riskingsix penalty points, a £300 fixed penalty, or an unlimited fine if the case goes to court.
Drivers may also face disqualification from driving with convictions appearing in background checks which could potentially impact job prospects.
Chief Inspector Jo Cash of the City of London Police said: "The extensive camera network and ANPR system in the city has enabled us to target offenders who use the road network.
"If you are caught driving without insurance, you face severe penalties, including fines, points on your licence and the seizure of your vehicle."
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Drivers of seized vehicles have to pay hefty release fees to have their vehicle returned to them DVLASimon French, Law Enforcement Liaison Officer at MIB, added: "Tackling uninsured driving isn't just about getting people to pay premiums, although motor insurance is mandatory. It's about making roads safer for everyone.
"Data shows us that those who deliberately drive uninsured cause more frequent and often more catastrophic collisions. We will continue to work together with a clear message: There is nowhere to hide. Drive with adequate insurance, or you will be caught."
