Uninsured drivers

The government has promised to get tough with uninsured drivers.

Reckless motorists could have their cars seized and or even crushed under plans contained in a report by Professor Greenaway for the Department for Transport.

Government Response: Department for Transport

David Jamieson, transport minister, said: "I very much welcome Professor Greenaway's report. We know 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.

"The government is determined to tackle head on the menace of uninsured driving. That is why I have announced today that we plan to give the police the power to seize and destroy vehicles that are being driven illegally and to increase police powers to use new technology to make detection and enforcement more effective.

"We are also working closely with the insurance industry to improve detection of drivers who fail to insure their vehicles and to raise awareness of the need for motor insurance. The message to the small hard core of anti social motorists who drive without insurance is clear- uninsured driving is unacceptable."

Stakeholder Response: Association of British Insurers

Mary Francis, director general of the ABI, said: "It is essential that Professor Greenaway’s recommendations are implemented quickly. They will benefit honest motorists and improve safety on our roads.

"We need to ensure that anyone who drives understands that they have the means of inflicting serious injury – and that insurance is there to protect other people as well as themselves."

Stakeholder Response: Direct Line

Emma Holyer, motor spokesman at Direct Line, said: "Direct Line is very pleased that the government is supporting new measures that should help to reduce the growing menace of uninsured driving.

"We have recently brought in new steps to protect Direct Line customers to ensure they don't lose out because of uninsured driving and we fully support any work to help cut the numbers - and therefore cost - of uninsured drivers."