A joint operation involving Hampshire Constabulary and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) resulted in no less than 44 vehicles being taken off the Isle of Wight’s roads last week.
Unlicensed, uninsured and untaxed vehicles were targeted during the 2-day crackdown in Newport, which took place in the area of Fairlee Road.
26 untaxed vehicles were seized by the DVLA with a further 9 vehicles issued with penalty notices. A number of other untaxed vehicles were identified and the registered keepers will be receiving postal notifications. 2 vehicles were immediately prohibited for vehicle defects by the Commercial Vehicle Unit.
In addition to the vehicles stopped and seized by the DVLA, Police Officers seized another 18 vehicles, including 13 for having no insurance.
At least 1 driver knew they shouldn’t have been driving as they failed to stop at the inspection checkpoint. Officers found the vehicle nearby and the driver was located and reported for having no insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, no tax and failing to stop for Police.
Another driver was found to be disqualified from driving and was reported for this alongside having no insurance.
3 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving whilst impaired through drugs and although they have all been released without charge, they remain under investigation.
On the lower end of the scale, fixed penalty notices were also issued for no MOT certificates and other road traffic offences.
Sergeant Simon Morgan from the Joint Operations Unit has said:
“I’m pleased that this joint operation was so successful and would like to thank our colleagues from the DVLA. There is a clear link between unlicensed, untaxed, and uninsured vehicles, and other forms of criminal activity or road safety.
“This is the fourth campaign that we’ve participated in with the DVLA on the Isle of Wight in recent years, It’s clear that the number of vehicles we identify, which do not have the correct credentials or paperwork, is decreasing each time. That shows the positive outcome of operations like this.
“We will continue to work with DVLA and other partner agencies in the next year to continue to improve road safety and to target vehicles and people that should not be on the Islands roads.”
