Over 860 uninsured vehicles seized by City of London Police in 2024

City of London Police seized 861 uninsured vehicles across the region between January and December last year.

All police forces submit monthly vehicle seizure statistics to MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau), the UK entity responsible for reducing levels of uninsured driving and compensating individuals involved in a collision with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

Despite being one of the UK’s smallest forces, City of London Police have a dedicated and skilled Roads Policing Unit determined to remove uninsured drivers from their roads. Last year, they seized 861 uninsured vehicles across the region, an increase of 11% on 2023 results

As well as taking part in the annual nationwide MIB-led initiative Operation Drive Insured, they also collaborated with MIB on Operation Giant, a City of London Police initiative to target all areas of criminality both within and transient through the city. These targeted operations helped achieve the outstanding 2024 results, clearly demonstrating the link between uninsured driving and wider criminality.

Uninsured vehicles pose a significant risk to other road users. Whilst those aiming to be law-abiding motorists may fall foul of common insurance pitfalls, such as assuming their policy has auto-renewed or that they are covered to drive other vehicles, over 60% of uninsured vehicles seized through the ongoing initiative Operation Tutelage are found to have links to serious secondary offences.

Notably, during Operation Drive Insured in November, City of London Police seized an uninsured vehicle and identified cannabis with a street value of £35,000. Another stop resulted in a possession with intent to supply (PWITS) of Class A drugs after multiple wraps of cocaine were found inside the vehicle.

Officers utilise data provided by MIB and partners to identify potential uninsured vehicles. This includes: 

• Navigate, the central record of all active motor insurance policies, managed by MIB. 
• Operation Tutelage markers, where cars passing ANPR cameras on previous occasions have been compared to data held on Navigate. Uninsured vehicles with an Operation Tutelage marker are then flagged to police and dealt with roadside.  
• Using police intelligence and analysis to predict the movements of known uninsured vehicles.   

If a stopped driver is unable to provide any proof of insurance, the vehicle is then seized, with a third going on to be crushed. Vehicles will only be released back to the owner once they have bought valid insurance, now at a premium due to their record of uninsured driving.

Other consequences include six penalty points, a fixed penalty of £300, or an unlimited fine should the case go to court, a fee to have the vehicle released and potentially being disqualified from driving.  

Driving convictions can show in background checks, impacting job prospects, whilst the loss of independence may impact on any caring responsibilities, such as the need to take children to school or elderly parents to medical appointments.

Chief Inspector Jo Cash, 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. 

"We’re grateful to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau for their support and assistance. By taking a joined up, multi-agency approach to issues on our roads, we can make it safer to travel in the City for everyone."

Simon French, Law Enforcement Liaison Officer at MIB, said:

"We work closely with the police throughout the year, including our colleagues within City of London Police, to get dangerous uninsured vehicles off the road. Despite being a smaller force, it’s clear just how seriously City of London are taking this issue.

"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."