Police seize millionth uninsured car

Posted 20/08/2012

The millionth uninsured car on Britain’s roads has been seized by West Midlands Police.

Back in 2005 police were given powers to stop vehicles identified as being driven without insurance. Since then, an average of 500 vehicles have been seized each day, of which around 35% are crushed.

Despite this, according to latest statistics, there are still an estimated 1.2 million vehicles on Britain’s roads being driven without insurance – around 1 in 25, with the West Midlands and West Yorkshire being the worst ‘hotspots’ according to the latest data.

It is estimated that uninsured drivers add around £400 million each year to the total cost of insurance, which costs each law-abiding motorist around £30 extra in insurance premiums.

Uninsured drivers contribute to the deaths of around 160 people and injure 23,000 each year. In such instances, it is then left to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to compensate the innocent victims of uninsured (and untraced) drivers.

Research also suggests that uninsured drivers are more likely to be involved in road traffic accidents, fail to follow the Highway Code and, potentially, be involved in other criminal activity. Moreover, the vehicles themselves are also unlikely to be properly maintained.

One of the methods the police use to help identify uninsured vehicles is automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology. They then cross-reference the results with various databases.

Understandably, the police are keen to work with the public to identify vehicles which are being used illegally, whether uninsured, unlicensed (road tax), or otherwise.

Anyone who has information regarding an uninsured or unlicensed driver can contact their local Police Station or pass the information anonymously to Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

You can also support the “Drive Insured campaign” on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/driveinsured

Tom Ranson of Ashtons Legal injury services comments: “Unfortunately, despite increased police powers and concerted efforts to make the public more aware of the risks and penalties, some motorists still think it is okay to drive without insurance – that it is a victimless crime. As my colleagues and I routinely see, nothing could be further from the truth.”