AREA: West Midlands
West Midlands Police has received a new roads policing vehicle to help officers target uninsured drivers across the region.
The vehicle has been funded by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) and will primarily be used by Special Constables carrying out roads policing duties.
The force currently has 18 volunteer Special Constables attached to its Roads Policing Unit, who have powers to drive both marked and unmarked police vehicles and seize vehicles being driven without insurance.
Specials working with the unit volunteered more than 4,000 hours during 2025.
The donation comes as police continue to seize thousands of vehicles from uninsured drivers.
West Midlands Police said 9,291 vehicles were seized for having no insurance or licence during 2025.
A further 5,946 vehicles have already been seized for having no insurance this year.
Superintendent Jack Hadley, Head of Roads Policing, said the new vehicle would strengthen the force’s work alongside the MIB.
He said: “Driving without insurance is reckless and dangerous and puts lives at risk every single day.
“If you’re driving uninsured, you’re not just risking your car – you’re risking lives, your future, and your freedom. Think before getting behind the wheel.”
Specials Inspector Scott Collen said having a dedicated vehicle available should also help volunteers make better use of the time they give to policing.
In particular, it could encourage additional deployments during the early evening, when many Special Constables finish their regular day jobs and become available for police duties.
The additional vehicle will mean volunteers can be more confident that a police car will be available when they report for duty, potentially allowing them to spend more hours on patrol and deal with more road offences.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts between West Midlands Police and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to reduce uninsured driving and remove illegally driven vehicles from the region’s roads.
