More than 1,000 Illegal Vehicles taken off Hampshire's Roads in the Past Year

In its first year of operation a team of officers from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) has ensured that more than 1,000 unlicensed, uninsured or untaxed vehicles have been removed from Hampshire’s roads.

The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) team consists of one sergeant and five officers and is based in the west of the county, covering Eastleigh, the New Forest, Test Valley and Southampton.

And although only relatively small in manpower terms in the past 12 months the team has also secured a total of 220 arrests.

Officers can seize uninsured or unlicensed vehicles under section 165 of the Road Traffic Act and last November were given the power to seize untaxed vehicles.

Sergeant Julian Williams, who leads the team, said: “We really want to stamp out the anti-social use of vehicles because they are often used to assist with or carry out other crimes.

“We are keen to tackle travelling criminality and using the ANPR technology, we can stop potential criminals in their tracks.

“Often if they are using a stolen vehicle or don’t have a valid licence, tax or insurance, there are other criminal elements of their life which need to be disrupted.”

If you know of someone who is driving illegally the police ask that you contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 (callers outside Hampshire should call 0845 045 45 45) or phone the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.