In a significant 24-hour crackdown on vehicle crime, West Midlands Police seized an uninsured Bentley and made nine arrests, issuing more than 100 penalties to dangerous drivers.
Major Operation Yields Significant Results
During the intensive operation on Wednesday, November 26, traffic officers and partner agencies stopped 215 vehicles at random across the region. This robust action led to nine arrests for serious offences including driving whilst disqualified, possession of drugs with intent to supply, and possession of a bladed article.
Police issued a total of 106 tickets for various traffic violations. These included driving without a licence, using illegal window tints, displaying illegal number plates, failing to wear seat belts, using a mobile phone whilst driving, speeding, and fitting illegal tyres.
Record Number of Vehicles Seized
A standout moment of the operation was the seizure of a Bentley for having no insurance. This luxury car was among 66 vehicles seized for being uninsured during the 24-hour period, marking the highest number of recoveries for the force in a single day.
The operation saw collaboration with numerous agencies, including the Motor Insurance Bureau, DVSA, DVLA, HMRC, Datatag, Taxi licensing, the OPCC, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, and local authorities from across the force area.
Commitment to Road Safety and Vision Zero
Chief Superintendent Sarah Burton, Head of Operations, emphasised the force's dedication. "This was about showing our commitment as a force to road safety, but our work to keep our roads safe doesn’t stop here," she stated.
"Our focus remains on targeting motorists who are a risk to our roads and those who commit Fatal 4 offences, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and putting lives at risk."
Detective Inspector Sam Lewis from the Roads Policing Unit highlighted the ongoing dangers, noting there are an estimated four million drivers on UK roads with eyesight below the legal standard. He reinforced that uninsured vehicles are statistically more likely to be involved in collisions, and that the so-called 'Fatal 4' offences continue to cause a significant number of deaths and serious injuries.
The operation supports the force's commitment to achieving the Vision Zero goal – aiming for no more deaths or serious injuries on the roads by 2040.
