A JOINT operation aimed at catching uninsured drivers targeted a Barnsley town at the weekend.
Roads policing, firearms and neighbourhood officers, alongside the Motor Insurance Bureau, were in the Hoyland area.
A police spokesperson said: “Those who drive without insurance are more likely to pose a risk to other road users and cause serious or fatal collisions, and a routine traffic stop can often uncover further, more serious offences.”
In total, 15 drivers faced the consequences of their actions during the weekend operation.
Seven drivers had their vehicle seized, four were issued traffic offence reports for having no insurance, three were reported on summons to court for having no insurance and one man, aged 39, was arrested for failing to stop, driving without insurance, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: “The link between uninsured vehicles and serious and fatal road collisions is clear. In fact, people are four times more likely to be involved in a collision in an uninsured vehicle.
“That isn’t because insurance creates some kind of protective bubble, it’s because of the type of people who drive around uninsured, often have a poor attitude to other aspects of road safety – like speed, drink and drugs or using mobile phones.
“Put simply, the more uninsured vehicles we get off South Yorkshire’s roads, the safer those roads are for you and your loved ones.
“Sadly 48 people lost their lives in South Yorkshire’s roads in 2024, and we will unashamedly target those people and those offences that are most likely to end up contributing to future statistics and causing misery to other families around the county.
“We will continue working with our local neighbourhood policing colleagues across South Yorkshire.”
Failing to insure your vehicle can see you receive a minimum of a £300 fine and six points on your licence. You may also face appearing at court and receiving a driving ban.
Police said that they do understand that there are other drivers who believe they are insured but their policy is invalid, or they have not declared their points or convictions. These drivers, they say, will face the same legal penalties as anyone else. You can check a vehicles insurance status by visiting: https://orlo.uk/HdG8h
Some of the vehicles which were seized at the weekend.
