Five hundred vehicles were stopped and 19 seized as part of a police crack-down on uninsured drivers.

Operation Cubo, an ongoing MPS wide initiative targeting people driving without insurance, was held in Barking on Thursday.

As well as seizing 19 vehicles, officers arrested two people, one for driving while disqualified, while the other was wanted by police. A total of 48 penalty notices were also issued for a variety of offences, including not wearing a seatbelt and driving without tax.

Vehicles that are seized cannot be reclaimed by the owner unless they provide valid proof of insurance/driving licence.

The insurance cover must be for a period of 12 months or more. A charge must also be paid for the storage of the vehicle at the car pound which increases by the day.

Supt Int Mike Hamer said: “Local public response to these operations is very positive and supportive. Uninsured drivers are more likely to be involved in criminal activity and collisions and around 80 per cent of those driving without insurance already have a criminal record. These vehicles are also less likely to be in a safe and roadworthy condition.

“Police do appreciate that at times our operations can inconvenience the public, but the positive outcome for road users and pedestrians in this case does justify the means.”