A RECORD number of illegal vehicle seizures have been carried out in London’s East End, figures released today reveal. Police seized 174 in the first six months of this year alone in Tower Hamlets, one-and-a-half times the figure for the whole of the previous year

By Mike Brooke

A RECORD number of illegal vehicle seizures have been carried out in London’s East End, figures released today reveal.

Police seized 174 in the first six months of this year alone in Tower Hamlets, one-and-a-half times the figure for the whole of the previous year when just 96 vehicles were confiscated.

This follows a blitz by police in Operation Reclaim’, giving all uniformed officers the power to seize any vehicle immediately that are being driven with no insurance or where the driver is has no license.

It was worse in neighbouring Newham, where police seized nearly 500 vehicles in the same period and in Hackney almost 300 vehicles. But worst in London was south of the Thames where 649 were confiscated in Lambeth alone.

The figures were obtained through a formal question to the Mayor by Jenny Jones, who said: “The increase shows Operation Reclaim’ is successful in catching these drivers.

“Police could do even more, but for a lack of guaranteed permanent spaces in vehicle pounds.”

The scheme pays for itself, and money made from seized vehicles could used for yet more enforcement, Jenny Jones urges.

“Cyclists and pedestrians are often the victims of hit and run driving linked to not having insurance or proper licence,” she added. “Illegal drivers also force legitimate motorists to pay higher insurance premiums.”

Up to 100,000 illegal vehicles are seized in London every year, the Green Party Assembly member points out. Now she wants to see more illegal drivers who “think they can get away with it” to be penalised by seizing their vehicles.