Police seize eight vehicles in safety clampdown

Northamptonshire Police said its Safer Roads Team was in Northampton on 26 June

Eight drivers have had their vehicles seized for not having a licence or insurance in a day of action by a police force to improve road safety.

Northamptonshire Police said it stopped 120 vehicles in Northampton in just five hours on 26 June, when 30 motoring offences were detected.

A 36-year-old man, from the town, was arrested and charged with driving while disqualified and for not having a licence or insurance.

Last year 31 people were killed on the county's roads and the force said it wanted to reduce the number of lives lost.

Anyone who had their vehicle taken away could get six points on their licence and be fined, Northamptonshire Police said

During the checks, on the A4500 Wellingborough Road, a driver was fined for not having tax and 11 fixed penalty notices were given to drivers for not wearing a seat belt.

Five drivers were reprimanded, two for not having a valid MOT, one for having a trailer in a dangerous condition, one for a dangerous unsecure load and another for having illegal window tints.

PC Dave Lee, of the Safer Roads Team, said: "Everyone needs to play their part to help save lives and one of the most basic, but essential, ways to do this is to ensure both you and your vehicle are fit for the road.

"Some of these issues may seem trivial to some, however it only takes one poorly maintained vehicle or a momentary lapse of concentration for a driver to be involved in a collision, which can result in potentially devastating consequences."

In 2024, the force said, 243 people required urgent medical assistance for serious or life-changing injuries.

In total, eight vehicles were seized by Northamptonshire Police