More than 15,000 vehicles have been seized from South Yorkshire roads in 2024.
South Yorkshire Police say they seized 15,636 vehicles across the year, including 3,719 for being report stolen. A total of 1,399 were seized for being involved in crime, 284 were seized for being involved in serious of fatal crashes and 4,098 were seized for having no insurance.
According to research and the experiences of police officers, those who drive without insurance or in stolen vehicles are more likely to take risks. This includes speeding, driving under the influence and evading the police.
The police add they are working “tirelessly” to reduce road casualties and they removed thousands of cars to reduce the risk to innocent drivers. Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings explains more: “Sadly, last year in 2024, 48 people lost their lives on the roads of South Yorkshire, with our officers then having to inform their families that their loved one has died, and their lives have changed forever.
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“We are committed to creating safer roads to reduce the number of people who lose their life or become seriously injured, but it takes effort from everyone. A lot of people think it won’t happen to them and that they’re a safe driver, but a fatal collision can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time; you can’t be responsible for other people’s actions and it’s imperative we remove vehicles from those who pose a risk.
“We are often met with criticism when we stop someone for speeding, or no insurance but the reality is, a routine traffic stop can uncover much more serious crimes. Speeding drivers can be uninsured, and drink and drug drivers can be driving stolen or cloned vehicles.”
Other cars were seized following vehicle burnout, fail-to-stop pursuits, being abandoned for for DVLA offences. South Yorkshire Police say you can check a vehicle’s insurance status online here.