A POLICE-led scheme to take uninsured motorists of the streets of County Durham and Darlington has recorded its 1000th car.

Durham Constabulary teamed up with insurance firm Direct Line in April to launch Operation Takeaway, designed to target drivers who take to the roads without being covered.

Since then, checks have taken place across the area and anybody stopped who turns out to be uninsured will have their vehicle seized and taken to a local garage.

In order for the owner to get it back, they must pay the garage's recovery and storage fees, and produce appropriate insurance within 14 days, or the vehicle will be crushed.

The 1000th vehicle to be removed from the streets was a blue Renault Clio, which was being driven around a disused tyre site by police on patrol. When they stopped the driver, he admitted he had no insurance for the N-registration vehicle.

The owner failed to take out insurance and collect his car within the time limit, and therefore it will now be scrapped.

Durham's head of road policing, Chief Insp Paul Goundry, said: "Uninsured motorists are often guilty of other offences, such as having no driving license or MOT. Frequently their cars are a potential risk to others.

"We are delighted Operation Takeaway has been such a success. The initiative is making a real contribution to road safety by reducing the risk of innocent motorists, cyclists and pedestrians being hurt by illegal drivers."