The Market

Crushing Blow for Illegal Motorists

Uninsured drivers often drive unroadworthy vehicles and the cost of compensating victims involved in collisions adds an extra £30 a year to insurance premiums on motor insurance paid by honest motorists.

The use of automatic number plate recognition technology by the police led to over 100,000 uninsured vehicles being seized by the police on roadside checks in 2007. Of the 100,000 seized, around 45,000 have been crushed.

"Uninsured drivers are a menace. These figures show that the determination of the insurance industry and the police to drive them from our roads is beginning to bear fruit. However, we need to ensure that the penalties they face reflect the seriousness of this crime." - Association of British Insurers, Nick Starling

February 2008