POLICE in Helensburgh, and across Scotland, have launched a week-long operation on the country's roads in a bid to catch motorists who are driving without insurance.

Anyone caught driving without insurance during 'Operation Drive Insured', running from January 21-27, is likely to have their vehicle seized, to be given six points on their licence and to be fined £300 – and they could also face court prosecution.

Police also plan to carry out checks for a range of additional road traffic offences.

The operation is being backed by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), who estimate that uninsured and untraced 'hit and run' drivers cost law-abiding motorists £400 million a year in insurance premiums.

MIB also estimates that around 130 people are killed on the UK's road's each year, and more than 26,000 injured, as a result of uninsured 'hit and run' drivers.

Superintendent Louise Blakeloch, deputy head of road policing at Police Scotland, said: “Police Scotland work in partnership with the Motor Insurers Bureau throughout the year and tackling uninsured drivers continues to be a priority for us.

"During this campaign we will increase our focus, to not only detect, but hopefully deter motorists from driving with no insurance.

"The legislation is there to protect all road users and if a vehicle is driven without a valid insurance policy, in common with other road traffic offences, there is an obvious road safety risk.

"Additionally, the minimum fine for an insurance offence is £300 and six penalty points on their licence.”

Neil Drane, head of enforcement at the MIB, said: “A driver with no valid insurance has no legal right to be on the road and removing them undoubtedly makes roads safer.

"The increased activity during Operation Drive Insured should get more of these dangerous drivers off our roads.”

If a member of the public suspects a person is driving without insurance, they can report it to police by dialling 101 or anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.