200 cars seized in Christmas crackdown

Between December 21 and January 3, officers caught 137 drivers without insurance and confiscated 74 vehicles that were believed to be stolen.

They included 21 on Christmas Day alone.

Road policing officer Insp Jason Booth said: "Some people decide to not take out an insurance policy - these drivers are proven, by research, to be more likely to take further risks on our roads, including driving dangerously, at speed or under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Those using vehicles to commit crimes are also unlikely to have car insurance and officers conducting a routine traffic stop often find further surprises; highlighting why routine checks of our roads are so important.

“A small amount of other drivers are unaware that their policy is invalid or does not cover them for certain vehicles. The fine and penalty is still the same, those driving without valid insurance will receive a minimum of £300 fine and six points on their licence."

Insp Booth added that drivers should consider checking that their insurance policy is valid, adding: "Driving with invalid or no car insurance is avoidable and in such uncertain times, we are always keen for our communities to support us in reducing our contact with people and Covid-19.”

You can check the insurance status of your vehicle through the MIB website.