North Wales Police have joined a national campaign aimed at reducing the number of uninsured drivers on UK roads.

The roads crime unit, along with other policing teams, is supporting the week-long initiative as part of the force's commitment to decrease road fatalities and serious injuries.

Operation Drive Insured, which started on November 11, has ramped up policing activity in the area to identify and seize illegally used uninsured vehicles.

The initiative was developed by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) in collaboration with the National Roads Policing Operations, Intelligence, and Investigations Committee.

It is an annual fixture in the National Police Chiefs’ Council's road safety calendar.

According to MIB figures, more than 129,000 uninsured vehicles were seized last year, and there were 35,000 claims from victims injured by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers across the UK.

Evidence from MIB shows that on average, there are 300,000 uninsured vehicles on UK roads every day, and someone is hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver every 20 minutes in the UK.

The actions of uninsured drivers have a significant physical, emotional, and economic impact, costing the UK economy more than £2.4 billion a year.

They are also more likely to be involved in other crimes, such as using a stolen vehicle, driving while disqualified or without a valid driving licence, and drink or drug driving.

Inspector Leigh Evans from the roads crime unit said: "Reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads remains our priority and removing uninsured drivers from our roads helps to do just that.

"Using ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) technology available, we will be carrying out a combination of mobile and static road checks, throughout Operation Drive Insured.

"Many people will see uninsured driving as a victimless crime at best, or as only impacting on the profits of large insurance companies at worst, but this is not the case.

"Uninsured drivers are significantly more likely to cause a death or injury on the road and are also often involved in wider road crime.

"We witness far too often the devastation a road collision has on those involved, their families and the wider community.

"When this also involves an uninsured driver, there is also the financial cost associated with it.

"This campaign is important to protect the majority of law-abiding drivers using our roads in North Wales.

"We are urging all drivers to respect other road users and drive insured.

"Protecting the public and keeping our roads safe for everyone is our priority and removing uninsured drivers from our roads helps to do that."

Drivers without insurance face having their vehicle seized and potentially crushed, along with a £300 fixed penalty notice and six licence points.

They can also be referred to court and face an unlimited fine and a driving ban.

Uninsured convictions also show up on basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Members of the public can check that their vehicle appears as insured on the MID for free at www.askmid.com or to contact their insurer for support.

If you know someone who is driving uninsured, you can report them to the police on 101, the non-emergency number, or report anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.