Dozens of vehicles have been seized across Birmingham during a major crackdown on uninsured drivers, as police joined forces with Birmingham City Council and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to target illegal motorists.
The operation, focused on areas including Washwood Heath and Hockley, saw 27 vehicles taken off the road for offences ranging from driving without valid insurance to failing to pay vehicle tax. Officers also arrested a disqualified driver during the sweep.
The crackdown, part of Operation Scalis, follows MIB data showing Birmingham has some of the worst rates of uninsured driving in the country. Last month alone, more than 700 vehicles were seized in the West Midlands for insurance-related offences.
Superintendent Jack Hadley, Head of the Roads Policing Unit, said:
“Driving without insurance isn’t just illegal – it’s reckless and dangerous and puts lives at risk every single day. Every 20 minutes, someone becomes a victim of an uninsured or hit-and-run driver in the UK. That’s over 26,000 people each year, many suffering devastating consequences.
“If you’re driving uninsured, you’re not just risking your car – you’re risking lives, your future, and your freedom. We will find you and we will take action.”
Government figures estimate uninsured and hit-and-run drivers cost the UK economy nearly £2.4 billion annually.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, backed the operation, highlighting the wider dangers posed by uninsured motorists. He said:
“Uninsured drivers are involved in a disproportionately high number of fatal road collisions. They are also frequently linked to other crimes, including drink and drug driving and excessive speeding.
“We must protect all road users, remove dangerous and anti-social drivers, and keep our communities safe.”
The council confirmed its officers have supported police in 61 operations over the past nine months, issuing parking notices and assisting with roadside checks.
Police say the campaign has already helped cut serious collisions in the city by 15% compared with the same period last year – but they are determined to reduce that figure further.