A Thames Valley Police officer has been recognised as the national roads policing officer of the year.

Inspector Simon Hills picked up the award from the Police Federation of England and Wales on Wednesday (October 11).

Mr Hills initiated Operation Tutelage in 2017, which has since become a nationwide initiative, fostering collaboration between law enforcement and the motor insurance industry. 

Mr Hills said: “I am of course so very proud to have been awarded this. I accept it on behalf of every Roads Policing officer nationally, who, as we know, go out every day to make our roads safer.   

“To all my colleagues across the UK who are involved in the Tutelage programme, from those dealing with back-office enquiries to the officers stopping offending vehicles and dealing with the occupants; this award is for all of you because without you none of this would be possible.” 

Operation Tutelage uses ANPR technology to collect data on uninsured drivers and store it in a database.

Registered keepers then receive letters letting them know of the consequences of driving without insurance.

The force says this has resulted in an 80 per cent compliance rate with the remaining 20 per placed on an ANPR hotlist.

The penalty for the offence of driving a vehicle without insurance is a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points on your licence or, if the case goes to court, you could get an unlimited fine and be disqualified from driving.

The Federation’s article announcing the award said: "Currently leading proactive operations and Commercial Vehicle Unit teams, Inspector Hills consistently goes the extra mile to provide exceptional roads policing services.

"Notably, he initiated Operation Tutelage in 2017, which has since become a nationwide initiative, fostering collaboration between law enforcement and the motor insurance industry. 

“Using ANPR technology, this operation collects data on uninsured drivers and stores it in the Midas database.

"Registered keepers receive letters reminding them of the consequences of driving without insurance, resulting in an impressive 80 per cent compliance rate.

"The remaining 20 per cent are meticulously investigated and placed on ANPR hotlists, many of whom are linked to other criminal activities. 

“Operation Tutelage significantly alleviates the burden on frontline policing by resolving the majority of issues outside the criminal justice system.

"Moreover, it furnishes valuable intelligence that aids in disrupting illegal drivers and criminals. This impactful programme has been widely adopted by police forces across the nation. 

“Inspector Hills faced the daunting challenge of implementing this scheme amid financial constraints and uncertainties. 

“During its introduction, roads policing endured significant budget cuts. Nevertheless, Operation Tutelage has proven to be a cost-effective approach, reducing demands on law enforcement, enabling the public to address insurance issues without legal proceedings, and enhancing intelligence for combating uninsured driving and criminal activities.”