During the recent Glastonbury Festival, Avon and Somerset Police, in partnership with the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), conducted a targeted two-day operation that resulted in the seizure of 21 uninsured vehicles. The initiative focused on the festival’s busiest arrival and departure times in Pilton, aiming to enhance road safety and reduce uninsured driving.
Uninsured driving remains a pressing issue across the UK, with victims encountering uninsured or hit-and-run drivers every 20 minutes. Removing these vehicles helps protect all road users from potential harm and addresses related criminal activities often linked to uninsured drivers, such as drug or drink driving, excessive speeding, and organised crime including drug trafficking.
Alongside seizing vehicles for lacking proper insurance coverage, police uncovered additional offences during their stops. Notably, three vehicles were found displaying fraudulent number plates.
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Since launching two dual-branded police cars earlier this year, the collaboration between Avon and Somerset Police and MIB has strengthened. The partnership leverages uninsured vehicle data and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to identify and intercept uninsured drivers on local roads.
The operation utilized multiple detection methods, supported by MIB law enforcement liaison officers who provided roadside verification and liaised directly with MIB’s Police Helpline to quickly confirm insurance statuses.
Authorities remind drivers to regularly verify their insurance policies, as common issues like bounced payments, failed auto-renewals, or registration number errors can inadvertently make them uninsured.
Matt Boiles, Roads Policing Inspector for Avon and Somerset Police, stated: “Glastonbury attracts a considerable surge in traffic, and this operation enabled us to effectively target uninsured vehicles entering and leaving the festival. Our continued partnership with MIB maximises our impact in reducing uninsured driving daily. Events like Glastonbury send a strong message—those who break the law will be caught and their vehicles seized, no matter where they are.”
Martin Saunders, Head of Uninsured Driving Prevention at MIB, added: “Uninsured driving is an ongoing problem. Large events like Glastonbury help us identify offenders and educate those who may be unknowingly uninsured. We encourage all motorists to check their insurance carefully and contact their insurer with any questions. Together with Avon and Somerset Police, we remain committed to ensuring uninsured drivers have nowhere to hide.”