Dozens of cars seized during clamp down on uninsured driving in Birmingham

Dozens of vehicles were seized across Birmingham during a clamp down on uninsured driving.

The multiagency operation, which saw West Midlands Police work alongside Birmingham City Council and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), focused on areas such as Washwood Heath and Hockley.

Acting on intelligence, officers stopped motorists and seized over 27 vehicles for offences including no valid insurance and no vehicle tax. A disqualified driver was also arrested.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “When the council declared a road safety emergency we said we would support police in dealing with uninsured drivers.

“Uninsured driving is a serious problem as they are involved in a disproportionately high number of fatal road collisions. Additionally, they are frequently linked to other crimes, including drug or drink driving and excessive speeding.

“We must help protect all road users from potential harm, so we need to remove dangerous and anti-social drivers from the roads and keep our roads and communities safe.”

New plan

This operation follows MIB data revealing parts of Birmingham are the worst affected areas for uninsured driving. Just last month, over 700 vehicles were seized across the region for no insurance.

In July 2025, the MIB developed a strategy called Accelerating to Zero, which aims to end uninsured driving within five years.

As part of its plan, the MIB is calling on the government to increase the fine for uninsured driving from £300 to £1,200.

Supt Jack Hadley, head of the roads policing unit at West Midlands Police, said: “Driving without insurance isn’t just illegal. It’s reckless and dangerous and puts lives at risk every single day.

“Every 20 minutes, someone becomes a victim of an uninsured or hit-and-run driver in the UK. That’s more than 26,000 people a year whose lives are impacted, often with devastating consequences.

“We’re urging drivers to check their insurance and tax status and to think twice before getting behind the wheel without proper cover.

“If you’re driving uninsured, you’re not just risking your car, you’re risking lives, your future and your freedom. We will find you and we will take action.”