POLICE on the Isle of Sheppey have used new powers to seize cars from motorists who do not have insurance or hold a driving licence.

During the past two weeks, the team have seized 21 cars from illegal road users. Before the new power was introduced, officers could only report the drivers to a magistrates' court for the offences, but now they are taking steps to make the roads safer and seizing their cars as well.

Police Sgt Neil Kimber, who heads the team, said: “After we have seized a car the driver is charged £105. For every day that passes without the car being claimed a £12 charge is added.

"If, after 14 days, the cars still has not been claimed it will be crushed. To get the car back, the owner must show a valid licence and insurance certificate.

“Being involved in an accident is distressing enough and it is not acceptable that a law-abiding motorist is penalised when they become involved in a collision with an uninsured driver.

"I hope that this new power will ensure that when an accident happens the insurance companies pick up the bill and not the innocent motorist.

"This is a stark warning to anyone driving with no insurance. We have up to the minute access to insurance data bases and a quick phone call tells us if the motorist is insured or not."

He stressed: "We will seize any uninsured vehicle without hesitation and prosecute the driver.

"We are also very keen to disrupt the criminal fraternity and these new powers will help tremendously. I hope our actions emphasise that we are using every power available to us to make the roads on Sheppey the Island (Sheppey) safer."