Vehicle seizures for uninsured driving in the Thames Valley surged by nearly 14 per cent in 2023, according to police figures.

In 2022, Thames Valley Police confiscated 3,137 vehicles, a number that rose to 3,564 in 2023.

Uninsured vehicles present a severe risk to other motorists.

For those involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, costs covering medical treatment, property fixes, and additional support can leave drivers out of pocket.

Every month, UK police forces disclose vehicle seizure statistics to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).

This organisation aims to minimise uninsured driving across the country and compensates those involved in incidents with uninsured or hit-and-run drivers.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, integrated into police vehicles, help officers identify uninsured vehicles.

If pulled over, drivers lacking proof of insurance see their vehicles seized.

Offenders can face six points on their license, a fixed fine of £300, or even an unlimited fine should the case escalate to court.

Additional penalties may include the cost of releasing the vehicle from seizure and potential driving disqualification.

To regain control of their vehicle, owners must purchase a valid insurance policy, often at a premium cost due to their uninsured driving history.

Non-compliance with these terms could result in the vehicle being crushed.

Superintendent Colin Hudson, head of the joint operations roads policing unit, said: "In many cases, vehicles being deliberately driven without insurance are an indicator of other offences.

"For example, our roads policing teams will routinely stop vehicles for having no insurance and further uncover the driver has no licence, or the car is stolen, or there is evidence of crime, often serious in nature."

The collaboration between the police and MIB leads to the identification and removal of dangerous uninsured vehicles from the streets.

Simon French, law enforcement liaison officer at MIB, said those driving without insurance tend to cause more frequent and devastating accidents, thus posing risks to everyone on the roads.

Out of the 3,564 seized vehicles, 586 were of interest to Operation Tutelage, leading to the arrest of 138 drivers for various offences and 354 additional convictions.

Operation Tutelage is a national policing initiative to tackle uninsured driving.

The operation revealed an extra 492 offences beyond the initial lack of insurance.

Mr French said: “We work closely with the police throughout the year, including our colleagues across Thames Valley, to get dangerous uninsured vehicles off the road.

"Our message is simple: drive with adequate insurance, or you will be caught."

More information about Operation Tutelage is available on the Thames Valley Police website.