As part of a UK-wide effort to clamp down on uninsured motoring, the Police Service of Northern Ireland will run targeted operations across the region this week to ensure motorists and vehicles have valid cover. Operation Drive Insured runs from Monday 9 November until Sunday 15 November.

"During last year's week-long campaign, 58 uninsured vehicles were seized across Northern Ireland," said The Police Service of Northern Ireland's Head of Road Policing Unit, Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson "Between 1st January and 31st October this year, Police Service figures reveal 2,246 uninsured vehicles have been seized by officers across Northern Ireland*.

"Some drivers detected have assumed their insurance will auto renew, or that their comprehensive insurance policy covers driving other vehicles. Other drivers have been detected using their vehicle for business or reward purposes, some have 'simply forgotten' to renew policies, so it is critically important that all drivers check they have the appropriate insurance cover in place before they take to the road," said Chief Inspector Simpson. "Drivers should also take the time to read any correspondence from their insurance company and never make assumptions when it comes to vehicle insurance."

The week of action, led by Roads Policing Teams and supported by colleagues across districts, is part of a National Roads Policing Operations, Intelligence and Investigations (NRPOII) initiative delivered with the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).

According to MIB data released today, the Mid Ulster, Mid and East Antrim and Belfast areas are among the UK's top 20 for the highest percentage of uninsured vehicles.

"All drivers need to make sure they are properly insured to drive on the roads and, while this week we will be working to remove uninsured vehicles from the road, it will also be about educating drivers on what can be innocent mistakes they may be making, not realising they aren't insured properly," said Chief Inspector Simpson.

"I would encourage everyone to pay particular attention to the wording of their insurance policy, as sometimes people mistakenly believe they have cover to drive other vehicles but, when stopped by police, this sometimes is not the case. "The law regarding vehicle insurance is clear - before you drive a vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate insurance cover in place."

*These are provisional police figures and are, therefore, subject to change.