WITH only days to go to the end of the year, Essex Police have already seized more uninsured vehicles than last year.

In fact, to the end of November, they have seized 1,000 more vehicles than in the whole of 2024 – a clear sign of the force’s continued commitment to keeping the county’s roads safe.

A spokesperson said: “As a force, we continue to seize very high numbers of vehicles under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act. This legislation allows officers to remove vehicles from the road if they are being driven without insurance or a valid licence.

Year-on-year, those figures have increased highlighting the scale of the issue and the proactive work being done to tackle it.

In 2022, Essex Police seized 2,957 uninsured vehicles. That number rose to 3,580 in 2023, and again to 4,365 in 2024. This year we’ve already seized 5,473.

At the time of a collision, uninsured drivers pose a risk to other innocent road users because these vehicles can be some of the most dangerous and poorly maintained on our roads and be the cause of a car not being able to brake in time because of bald tyres etc.

Being uninsured causing issues for other drivers too. If an uninsured driver causes a collision, victims may not receive compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, or lost income. Insurance companies often raise premiums to cover the costs associated with uninsured drivers and this means that responsible drivers pay more to offset the risk of those who don’t insure their vehicles.

Our response to this issue is led by the Roads Policing Unit, officers dedicated to road safety, reducing collisions and keeping our roads moving.

Tackling uninsured cars in Essex isn’t just about enforcing the law – it’s about protecting lives, reducing risk on our roads, and ensuring fairness for every responsible driver.

By removing these vehicles from the roads, Essex Police is helping to prevent accidents, support responsible motorists, and build safer communities.

Our message is clear: driving without insurance is not only illegal, but also dangerous and we will continue to take robust action to ensure that everyone who uses the roads does so legally and responsibly.

Driving without insurance carries serious legal and financial penalties. Consequences can include:

• Fines and penalty points
• Vehicle seizure
• Driving bans
• Court prosecution

“If you know of an uninsured vehicle using our roads, let us know”.