Essex Police has seized more uninsured vehicles in the first ten months of 2025 than in the whole of 2024 – a clear sign of the force’s continued commitment to keeping the county’s roads safe.

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.

In 2022, Essex Police seized 2,957 uninsured vehicles. That number rose to 3,580 in 2023, and again to 4,365 in 2024. With 2025 not yet over, the current total has already surpassed last year’s figure – highlighting the scale of the issue and the proactive work being done to tackle it.

Our work will continue during a week-long national campaign to target uninsured vehicles under Operation Drive Insured. 

Uninsured drivers may:

• Avoid reporting accidents or flee the scene of one to escape arrest and legal consequences.

• Drive vehicles that are poorly maintained or unsafe, increasing the risk of collisions.

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.

Essex Police’s Head of Roads Policing, Mr Adam Pipe, said:

“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.

“Uninsured vehicles pose a serious threat to road safety and community trust. They are often linked to other criminal activity and can leave victims of collisions without financial protection. By removing these vehicles from the roads, Essex Police is helping to prevent accidents, support responsible motorists, and build safer communities.

“I’d urge all motorists to check their insurance status today and report any suspected uninsured vehicles. Together, we can make Essex’s roads safer for all.”

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. You can report here Report | Essex Police

Reproduced with permissions essexpolicemedia.co.uk