A POLICE clampdown on uninsured drivers kicks off today.

Officers now have the power to seize uninsured vehicles and Operation Reclaim is the Met's response to the new legislation.

The operation, which is being rolled out across the Met, will see officers in Waltham Forest carry out routine stops, and other operations using number plate readers to catch drivers of uninsured vehicles.

Waltham Forest chief inspector Chris Lovatt said: "Legislation gives us the power to remove vehicles from the road in order to improve road safety and stop those individuals who are breaking the law.

"The many law abiding citizens who ensure their vehicles are road worthy are very supportive of this initiative that takes uninsured vehicles off the roads.

"We are aware that many offenders use their vehicles in the process of committing crime, and this scheme may deny them the use of the roads.

"We are confident that Operation Reclaim will help to make London and Waltham Forest safer and will continue targeting those drivers who choose to drive their vehicles without insurance."