Crackdown on UK's 1m uninsured drivers unveiled

The government has announced a package of tough new measures to crackdown on the estimated one million motorists – one in 20 of all drivers – who are currently driving on UK roads without insurance.

Under the proposals, police will have the power to seize and destroy vehicles that are being driven uninsured. Automatic reminders should also be sent out to motorists who forget to insure on time – and those who fail to act could face fixed penalty notices.

Research from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has found that accidents involving uninsured motorists cost over £500 million a year, adding up to £30 a year to motor premiums of each law abiding motorist. The ABI said that these drivers are 10 times more likely to have been convicted of drink driving, and three times more likely to have been convicted of driving without due care and attention.

Today's proposals are contained in an independent report by economics professor David Greenaway, from the University of Nottingham. His 20 recommendations fall into three broad areas - long term compliance plan; sentencing and penalties; and publicity and awareness.

Road Safety Minister David Jamieson welcomed the report, adding that law-abiding motorists "are fed up with paying the price for the small, hard core of anti social motorists who drive uninsured, often in untaxed or unsafe vehicles".

Home Office Minister Caroline Flint said: "Uninsured driving victimises the law-abiding motorist. This report gives a sensible way forward to tackling the problem and across government we will work hard to take forward its recommendations. We want to ensure that the police and courts have the powers they need to tackle offenders and that they can use them effectively."

Barry Smith, Chairman of the Motor Committee at the ABI, and Chief Executive Officer of Fortis Insurance, said that the insurance industry was committed to working with government to implement the recommendations.

The government has said that it will be consulting widely on detailed plans over the next few months but said there was considerable work involved in drawing up detailed plans.

(gmcg)