A Bolton driver who was allegedly driving without insurance or a licence has had their car seized.

Bolton police say they spotted the silver BMW car being driven on Garstang Avenue, in Breightmet, when checks showed the vehicle was uninsured and the driver did not hold a driving licence.

The car was seized under the Road Traffic Act, according to the force – with action set to be taken against the driver.

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Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act gives officers the power to seize vehicles.

According to Greater Manchester Police, those looking to reclaim their vehicle after it has been seized have 14 days to prove satisfactory ownership and to provide legitimate insurance at a police station, or their vehicle will be disposed of – with no extensions given.

Vehicles can be scrapped or sold at auction after this time.

When vehicles are sold at auction, drivers may be entitled to claim the proceeds of the sale if they can prove legitimate and satisfactory ownership within 12 months.

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According to GOV.UK, driving without insurance can lead to six penalty points and a fixed penalty of £300 for those caught committing the offence.

If the case goes to court, drivers flouting the law can receive an unlimited fine and be disqualified from driving.

Driving otherwise in accordance with a licence can leave those caught with a £1,000 fine and up to six points on any licence they do hold.

In Bolton, GMP has been cracking down on drivers flouting the law under its "Operation Classify" initiative – with high-risk roads targeted.

According to GMP, the borough saw 71 serious collisions in 2022, with nine fatalities – with the trend continuing into 2023.

Using data and working with local communities, officers have now identified routes for targeted action.

In a post on Facebook, GMP’s Bolton division said: “Whilst out on patrol your local Breightmet officers sighted the below vehicle being driven along Garstang Avenue, Breightmet.

“Officers have conducted checks on the vehicle which showed that it was uninsured and the driver did not hold a driving license.

“The vehicle has been seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act and officers will be taking action against the driver for the driving offences.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.