4,000 vehicles with no insurance seized by Staffordshire Police

Cars Behind Bars was launched by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis.

The campaign carried out by Staffordshire Police has seen 4,386 cars, vans, motorcycles, mopeds, lorries and even a tractor seized since it was launched back in May 2013.

A total of 1,372 vehicles were scrapped, while 125 higher-value uninsured vehicles were sold off at auction with the proceeds going back into local communities in Staffordshire.

Mr Ellis said: "The crackdown on insurance dodgers remains far and away the most popular thing raised with me by people I've spoken to across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

"Over 4,300 people have had to learn their lesson the hard way, thanks to tremendous work by officers from Staffordshire Police – which has really gained momentum in recent months.

"Those who drive without insurance can't hide in Staffordshire. They are being caught and dealt with by having their vehicles seized and, in many cases, scrapped or sold at auction.

"It's definitely struck a chord with law-abiding motorists who are hit by rising premiums because of these law-breakers.

"Why should we all pay more because some people don't pay at all?"

Cars Behind Bars uses automatic number plate recognition system that identifies those flouting the law.

The fixed penalty fine for people who are caught without insurance was increased nationally from £200 to £300 in 2013.

Motorists also face their car being seized, could be summonsed to court and be disqualified,and given an endorsement of six penalty points.

Drivers reclaiming their vehicle when they have proof of insurance have to pay £150 car recovery costs plus £20 per day storage.