Motorists warned to insure their vehicles
Car owners are being warned to 'insure it or lose it' by West Midlands Police.
As national restrictions begin to ease officers are anticipating more motors to be travelling across the region in the coming months.
In preparation they have launched Operation Tutelage, alongside the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB), to trace those who are breaking the law and order them to get insured.
If they receive information via their systems that a vehicle doesn’t appear to be insured they are sending a letter to the registered keeper, advising them to do so or risk having it seized.
Around two-thirds have insured their motors after being notified.
Since launching Operation Tutelage as a four month pilot in February West Midlands Police has sent out more than 3,500 notices.
The force has seized just over 1,900 vehicles in the last six months.
Superintendent Richard Agar, from West Midlands Road Policing, said: "There is not only a legal but moral responsibility to ensure your vehicle is insured.
"We know the last 12 months have been like nothing we’ve experienced before but the pandemic is no excuse for breaking the law.
"We’re following a national approach, in partnership with the MIB, and reminding people of their responsibilities. There could be a genuine discrepancy for a vehicle not showing as insured.
"But we will seize cars and pursue further action against those who deliberately avoid insuring their vehicles and our warning."
