More than 1,000 vehicles seized in a MONTH as police hit new record

More than 1,000 vehicles were seized from Greater Manchester's roads as police hit a new record last month. Greater Manchester Police says it seized 1,066 vehicles from the region's roads in July.

That compares to 960 in June, 998 in May and 771 in April. Of the 1,066 seized last month, 475 were seized as part of Operation Wolverine, which gives officers the power to seize uninsured vehicles and those driven without the correct licence.

GMP says the latest figures come after a two-year-project to upgrade roadside Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and install new ones, with the force claiming it is reaping the benefits of that investment. Officers also now have access to an app called Cleartone, helping to identify illegal drivers and uninsured vehicles.

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Specialist Operations Branch Inspector Jon Middleton said: “A contributory factor to the significant number of vehicles seized is the launch of the ANPR application for officers’ mobile devices that allows them to receive alerts from nearby ANPR cameras. This simple but effective technology is easily accessible whilst out on patrol and includes notifications for uninsured vehicles who can have catastrophic and serious consequences for most people who use our motorways and road network legally.

“We are committed to ensuring we keep our roads safe, and if we can work smarter and in a more effective way, whilst utilising technology, then it can only bring benefits to both the force and the public.” GMP has seized 6,306 vehicles so far this year up to August 1, including 2,778 under Op Wolverine.

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