Avon and Somerset Police’s Proactive Roads Policing Team is receiving a boost this month with two new dual-branded police vehicles funded by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which leads efforts to combat uninsured driving across the UK. These cars, equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, will enhance Special Constables’ ability to identify and stop uninsured or inadequately insured drivers.
A team of 20 Special Constables working within the Proactive Roads Policing Team are authorised to operate marked police vehicles and have the power to stop and seize uninsured vehicles. However, limited access to suitable police cars has often hampered their efforts. The two Toyota Corollas provided by the MIB will now increase the availability of ANPR-equipped vehicles for these volunteer officers.
The ANPR system instantly flags suspected uninsured vehicles by cross-referencing number plates with Navigate, MIB’s comprehensive database of live motor insurance policies. The first Toyota was formally handed over at the Portishead police headquarters on 15 May, with the second vehicle arriving soon after.
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Following the ceremony, Special Constables launched an initial operation with the new car, which swiftly identified and apprehended a drink driver. Often, stopping uninsured drivers leads to uncovering additional offenses, such as stolen vehicles or connections to wider criminal networks.
Inspector Matt Boiles of Avon and Somerset Roads Policing expressed gratitude for the MIB’s support: “These new vehicles give our Special Constables a vital, visible tool to target uninsured drivers, who are frequently linked to serious road offenses and wider criminality. By focusing on uninsured driving, we’re making our roads safer and protecting our communities.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody welcomed the partnership, describing the vehicles as “a crucial asset for tackling uninsured driving and enhancing public safety.” She added, “Addressing uninsured driving goes beyond enforcement—it’s about safeguarding our communities from harm.”
In 2024 alone, Avon and Somerset Police seized 2,456 uninsured vehicles—averaging nearly seven per day. Since April, the force has participated in Operation Scalis, a targeted campaign led by MIB in nine UK regions to crack down on uninsured driving hotspots through data-driven policing. This initiative, backed by MIB’s £5 million investment, runs throughout the summer and aims to further reduce uninsured vehicle incidents.
Hayley Sutcliffe, Law Enforcement Liaison Officer at MIB, praised the partnership and the Special Constables' commitment: “Having these ANPR-equipped vehicles patrolling the area serves as a reminder for drivers to maintain proper insurance and helps keep roads safer.”
Martin Saunders, MIB’s Head of Uninsured Driving Prevention, emphasised the initiative’s potential: “Supporting Special Constables with dedicated vehicles empowers them to improve road safety and demonstrates the value of this pilot project.”
Together, Avon and Somerset Police and MIB continue their mission to reduce uninsured driving and its associated risks, making local roads safer for all.