Motorists warned to get insurance or face losing your car
A pilot scheme that has seen crime fall by 43% in one part of the borough is being rolled out across Hounslow next month.
Using new powers introduced by the Serious and Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, police in Heston have been piloting an initiative where they seize any motor vehicle being driven without insurance, or not in accordance with the driver's licence. This zero tolerance approach has been very successful.
This pilot began at the beginning of June and by 14 July more than 330 vehicles had been seized. Based on this success, the scheme is being rolled out across the borough.
Ward Sergeant PS Stuart Buchan who devised the pilot said “This was initially designed with the intention of impacting on crime across my ward. We targeted uninsured vehicles which we also knew were frequently used as a means of transport by local criminals. We have not only reduced crime and the fear of crime in the area, but we are sending a very strong message to criminals who live or travel through it.”
Adrian Baxter, the Community Safety Inspector based at Hounslow Council, said “This pilot has proven to be a great success. All crime in the area has been reduced by 43% during the pilot and we are training teams to roll the initiative out across the whole borough.
“Driving without insurance is not a victimless crime. Uninsured drivers cause a large number of accidents every year, and many drive poorly maintained cars, often without an MOT or car tax.”
When a vehicle is seized, it is removed to a pound and will cost the driver £123 to recover their vehicle plus £14 a day storage. This is in addition to any court proceedings. The owner will be informed of the seizure and has seven days to recover their vehicle, once it has been insured, before it is sold or destroyed.
July 18, 2006