A 36-year-old Nigerian motorist had his vehicle confiscated on Sunday, 30 November, after being stopped by officers along the A13 in Basildon. The driver, who was operating a white Vauxhall Astra, was pulled over by PC 78055 Bailey and PC 82348 Chin of the Basildon Local Policing Team (LPT) E Shift.
Essex Police confirmed that checks revealed the man was driving with only a provisional UK licence. Having been resident in the UK for over 12 months, his Nigerian driving licence was no longer recognised under UK law. Consequently, his vehicle was seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and he was reported for “Driving Otherwise Than in Accordance With a Licence.”
The force used the incident to remind motorists of the legal requirements for driving in the UK. “Once you have lived in the UK for more than 12 months, your foreign licence may no longer be valid,” Essex Police stated. “You must hold a full UK driving licence to drive legally. Failing to do so can lead to your vehicle being seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act. Stay safe and stay legal.”