News

Confusion as askMID database falsely flags thousands of UK drivers as uninsured

Published

2 years ago

September 23, 2023

THOUSANDS of motorists across Britain were left bewildered this week after the widely-used insurance database, askMID, erroneously flagged a vast number of vehicles as uninsured.

AskMID is a trusted tool for comparing insurance details with records held by the DVLA and is interlinked with the police ANPR system. This technology instantly flags to officers if a car is perceived to be uninsured, as noted by the Automobile Association (AA). Members of the public can also utilise this platform to verify their insurance standing by entering their vehicle registration number.

A significant number of alarmed drivers reached out to the Liverpool Echo in the early hours and throughout today, expressing deep concern that their cars were mistakenly identified as uninsured on the database. There were rising fears that this technical mishap might lead to unwarranted police interventions, even for those who hold valid insurance.

However, a ray of hope came when the Liverpool Echo got in touch with the team managing askMID. The response was swift and reassuring, assuaging the concerns of many that there would be no undue police action resulting from this glitch.

Speaking on the issue, a representative from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We’ve identified an issue where askMID has incorrectly shown numerous vehicles as uninsured.

“We’d like to clarify that this issue is solely on the user-end of the service; the data that the police access at roadside checks remains accurate.

“We’re confident that no data breach has occurred and are in collaboration with our service providers to rectify this at the earliest.”

It’s been gleaned that experts at MIB are fervently working behind the scenes to resolve the issue.

The MIB has also taken to their social media handles to relay this message of reassurance to the public.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.