Motorists using scammers targeted by police

More than 60 motorists, believed to have paid scammers to help avoid driving prosecutions for road traffic offences, have been convicted at court following a crackdown by Lancashire Police.

Dozens of people and businesses have been taken to court after trying to avoid prosecution by providing false details through Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) Farms.

Insp Oliver Jones, of Lancashire Police’s Safer Roads Unit, said: “We have targeted individuals using NIP Farms, where motorists use fake driver details when writing out traffic notices so they can avoid being penalised and even dodge disqualification.

“We are warning all drivers against trying to avoid justice by employing the services of a NIP Farm as we are committed to identifying and prosecuting those who try to cheat the system.
“Penalty points and a fine is an entry level prosecution. More serious and persistent offending can result in criminal charges and even imprisonment”.
More than 60 drivers and businesses were taken to court after it is believed they paid up to £600 each to the NIP Farms to avoid prosecution.

An operation was launched after it became apparent responses with fictitious driver names and repeat addresses, were being sent to police.

Insp Jones added: “To date, we have had 61 convictions for failing to provide driver details, which carries a mandatory six penalty point deduction and a fine in excess of £600.

“Eleven people have had their cases adjourned to consider disqualification, with one firm paying £1,000 in fines and costs. The average fine paid so far by each driver is more than £500.
“The use of so-called NIP Farms is a huge problem nationally with the number of motorists trying to lie their way out of trouble in the thousands each year, and the money paid to these NIP Farms in the millions. This money all goes to fund criminality.
“The minority of motorists, who chose to lie and use a NIP farm, seem to think that the law doesn’t apply to them, and these offenders are much more likely to have an accident. The whole reason behind the points system is to remove bad drivers from our roads making them a safer place for everybody else.
“Around 60 more people are awaiting their court hearings over the next few months, and this number is set to increase.”
Anyone with information regarding the use or operation of NIP Farms in Lancashire or nationally is encouraged to report this to the police directly on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.