POLICE in Avon and Somerset are this week targeting people driving without insurance - whether they are aware of it or not.

Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, officers will be carrying out checks on roads across the force area up until Sunday.

Richard McKiernan, for Avon and Somerset Police, said: "This campaign will be delivered using the most up to date technology to target drivers without car insurance.

"Drivers obeying the law by insuring their cars may find themselves being penalised when they are involved in a collision with an uninsured driver, paying higher premiums.

"Owners of vehicles found to be uninsured will receive a letter letting them me know we’re aware they’re driving illegally. Those who do not buy appropriate insurance could receive six points on their license, a £300 fine or have their vehicles seized and potentially destroyed.

"We’re not just targeting those who are driving around knowingly breaking the law. Some people aren’t aware of the exclusions that can apply when they fill out their insurance information and that’s why we’ve collated a series of myths around car insurance to remind drivers to check their policy."

Recent figures from the Motor Insurers Bureau showed warnings are being issued to around 3,000 uninsured drivers every day.

Between January 2018 and October 2018, Avon and Somerset Police seized 2,327 uninsured vehicles.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: "Uninsured drivers make the roads more dangerous places and it is honest motorists who have to pay higher premiums as a result of claims arising from uninsured losses.

"This campaign is a great opportunity to remind motorists to check they are correctly insured for every journey they make while contributing to the overall safety of the roads."