Surrey Police issue warning to uninsured drivers after seizing 69 vehicles during week of action
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Uninsured vehicles can pose a significant risk to other road users. They are more frequently involved in collisions, which can leave you out of pocket for medical care, vehicle repairs, and other support.
In Surrey, officers use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras built into police cars to detect vehicles that do not have insurance.
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Hide AdThey also have access to a database which can help to predict where uninsured vehicles may be within a short timescale, which enables them to proactively target repeat offenders.


This helped increase the number of uninsured vehicles we find and remove from Surrey’s roads by 14% in 2023 compared to 2022.
In November 2023, Surrey Police took part the national ‘Operation Drive Insured’ campaign alongside MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau). MIB are responsible for reducing levels of uninsured driving, and compensating those involved in a collision with an uninsured driver or a driver who fails to stop.
During the Op Drive Insured week of action alone, 69 vehicles were seized. Two were identified as stolen, and five people were arrested after initially being stopped for insurance checks.
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Hide AdThe campaign involved officers from Surrey Roads Policing Unit (RPU), Vanguard road safety team, the Casualty Reduction team, Neighbourhoods, and the Dedicated Coaching Units.
RPU Inspector John Lakeman said, “These numbers clearly demonstrate the size of the issue, but also the work our officers are undertaking every day to keep our roads safe for everyone”.
Simon French, Law Enforcement Liaison Officer at MIB, said: “We work closely with the police throughout the year, including our colleagues across Surrey, to get dangerous uninsured vehicles off the road.
“Data shows us that those who deliberately drive uninsured cause more frequent and, often, more catastrophic collisions. So, tackling uninsured driving isn’t just about getting people to pay premiums, it is about making roads safer and fairer for everyone.
“Our message is simple: drive with adequate insurance, or you will be caught.”