More than 60 motorists convicted after scam to avoid prosecution
They tried to avoid prosecution by giving false details
More than 60 drivers have been convicted at court after paying scammers to avoid being prosecuted for driving offences.
They tried to avoid it by giving false details through Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) Farms.
They used fake details when writing out traffic notices to avoid being penalised and to try and dodge disqualification.
Inspector Oliver Jones, of the Lancashire Police Safer Roads Unit, said:
"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."
Police believe they paid up to ÂŁ600 each to the NIP farms to avoid prosecution.
The Lancashire Police crackdown has led to 61 convictions for failing to provide driver details. That carries a penalty of six points and a fine.
The average paid so far by each offending driver is more than ÂŁ500.
One firm has paid ÂŁ1,000 in fines and costs.
Inspector Jones added:
"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 about NIP Farms is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.