Vehicles seized in county purge

Police used automated checking systems on vehicles.

One thousand uninsured or unlicensed vehicles have been seized by police in Nottinghamshire in a purge on road crime across the county.

Officers using the Automatic Number Plate Recognition System (ANPR) and the Motors Insurance Database (MID) have seized the cars since January.

Police said the ANPR also allowed patrols to identify vehicles registered to offenders given driving bans.

Motorists without valid insurance or a licence have their cars impounded.

Ch Insp Andy Charlton, head of Roads Policing in the county, said: "I want to send a clear message to offenders that we will seize your vehicles and you will face the consequences."

A driver who is unable to prove they have valid insurance and driving licence has their vehicle impounded and could face prosecution.

To reclaim vehicles, owners have to prove insurance cover is in place and that they are licensed to drive that type of vehicle.

Police said all costs incurred must be paid, which were £150 recovery and £20 per day storage.