More than 160,000 uninsured cars were seized on UK roads last year, marking the highest level in 17 years, according to new figures.
Record UK seizures highlight rise in uninsured driving
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) says the rise highlights a growing issue with uninsured driving, with some areas of Birmingham identified among the worst affected in the country.
Five Birmingham postcodes - B25, B18, B66, B21 and B35 - feature in the UK’s top 15 hotspots for accidents involving uninsured drivers, raising concerns about road safety and enforcement.
The MIB says uninsured driving remains a persistent problem despite enforcement efforts, with vehicles being identified and seized through police checks and automated detection systems.
Hayley Sutcliffe from the MIB said awareness of insurance requirements remains an issue in some communities, particularly among people new to the UK.
She told Birmingham Live: “It’s a diverse area so people coming into the country might not know the laws and the legislation of the Road Traffic Act. We need to raise awareness around when people need to have the correct level of cover of insurance.”
West Midlands Police say officers continue to encounter uninsured drivers for a range of reasons, including affordability issues, failure to obtain a driving licence, and deliberate attempts to avoid detection.
Sgt Adrian Brown said: “A lot of people just own up to it and say ‘I couldn’t afford it’ or ‘I haven’t passed my driving test’. I think the other reason around this criminal aspect is they’re trying to hide the identity of the car.”
Drivers caught without insurance face a £300 fixed penalty and six penalty points, though campaigners and residents say penalties may not be strong enough to deter repeat offenders.
Some members of the public have called for tougher action, including higher fines and vehicle destruction for persistent offenders.
One Birmingham resident fumed: “Alas it is cheaper to get caught and fined than paying insurance. Has been for years.”
Another added: “Raise the fine to £400 and if not paid crush the car after a week.”
The MIB has called for penalties to be reviewed, arguing they should better reflect the average motor insurance premium, which currently stands at around £622, as part of wider efforts to reduce uninsured driving on UK roads.