POLICE patrols rooted out uninsured drivers as part of a national purge to get them off our roads.

Operation Drive Insured was mounted in conjunction with The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) and ran in tandem with the East Ayrshire police campaign, New Year’s Resolution.

Several cars were seized with court action pending as the Procurator Fiscal deals with the reports forwarded to them by the police.

Paul Bennett, MIB’s Police Liaison officer said “The force are extremely pro-active about tackling uninsured driving. In the last three years alone they have seized nearly 23,000 uninsured vehicles.

“This is the second year running for Operation Drive Insured with Police Scotland and it was used as an opportunity to highlight the importance of making sure that you are correctly insured for each and every journey you take. A simple check of your policy before taking to the road can mean you avoid having that unnecessary encounter with a police officer.”

Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, pictured right, added: “Ultimately, the honest motorist is penalised by having to pay higher premiums as a result of claims arising from uninsured losses.”

Social media went into overdrive as furious insured drivers, who have to shoulder these costs, took to their keyboards.

William Dennis suggested that we do the same as the Australian government and include third party insurance included in the road tax. Vehicle owners could then pay extra for an upgrade if they want comprehensive cover.