| The head of the traffic department at Tayside Police said new legislation targeting unlicensed and uninsured drivers had been invaluable in making the streets safer.
“We don’t want vehicles that have a dubious history on the roads,” said Chief Inspector Sandy Bowman.
“Before the introduction of the legislation, if we did detect somebody it was possible that they could continue to drive that vehicle, but having the power to seize it takes away the immediate temptation.”
Using powers under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, Tayside Police last year became the first force in Scotland to put the squeeze on irresponsible motorists.
Where a police officer has reasonable cause to believe a vehicle is being driven on a road while the driver is unlicensed or uninsured, the driver is required to immediately produce their documents.
If the driver fails to do so the vehicle may be seized. They then have seven days to produce valid documents and obtain a release notice from divisional police headquarters before the vehicle is disposed of.
“In the year to the end of November, we seized 710 vehicles. Of these, 432 were reclaimed by the owner and 278 were disposed of. It’s fair to assume that by the end of the year the figure will be around 300,” said Mr Bowman.
The chief inspector said most of the vehicles disposed of will have gone to the crusher, although a few that are of higher value can be sold on.
Many of the vehicles taken off the roads were driven by young motorists, say police.
An RAC Foundation and Max Power study showed 30% of young drivers have driven without insurance, while 77% of people know someone who has driven without insurance.
Around 5% of all drivers are uninsured, adding £30 to £60 to the average insurance premium.
Statistics show uninsured drivers are six times more likely to drive an unroadworthy vehicle and up to nine times more likely to be involved in an accident.
Added Mr Bowman, “Where there is no insurance the vehicle involved often has a dubious mechanical history and as such poses a danger. People without insurance who are involved in collisions push up the cost of premiums.
“We would ask that anyone with information about an unlicensed or uninsured driver contact us on 01382 223200 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” |
