Conservative PCC’s Scheme Puts 2,000 Cars Behind Bars

Over 2,000 vehicles have been seized by Staffordshire Police officers in the first year of a landmark crackdown on car insurance dodgers.

Cars Behind Bars was instigated by Staffordshire’s Conservative elected Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis and has proved popular with people across the county.

The campaign carried out by Staffordshire Police has seen 2,004 cars, vans, motorcycles, mopeds, lorries and even a tractor seized, with 665 vehicles scrapped, since it was launched in May 2013. A total of 60 higher value uninsured vehicles have been sold off at auction raising over £35,000 in the last 12 months – with the proceeds going back into local communities in Staffordshire.

Mr Ellis said, “Since its launch a year ago, the crackdown on insurance dodgers has been far and away the most popular thing raised with me by people I’ve spoken to across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

“Over 2,000 people have now had to learn their lesson the hard way thanks to tremendous work by officers from Staffordshire Police. 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.

“It’s definitely struck a chord with law-abiding motorists who are hit by rising premiums because of these law-breakers. Why should all pay more because some people don’t pay at all?

“It’s clear that the message is hitting home as the number of insured motorists on Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent roads has risen significantly during the crackdown.”

Some of the vehicles seized since the campaign launched can be viewed at www.staffordshire.police.uk/carsbehindbars.