The government has defended its decision that motorists driving without insurance will not be disqualified for a first offence.
After being questioned on the issue by Lord Beaumont of Whitley, government minister Lord Davies of Oldham said: "My Lords, under Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, a person must be insured against third-party risks if using a motor vehicle on a road or other public place.
"Not to do so is an offence punishable either summarily with a fine of up to £5,000, six to eight penalty points and discretionary disqualification, or by a fixed penalty of £200 and six penalty points. Magistrates may disqualify for a first offence if the severity of the offence merits it."
Lord Beaumont of Whitley replied: "My Lords, I am glad to hear that reply. It deserves wider circulation, because on 9 June, the home affairs editor of the Daily Telegraph said: "Thousands of motorists caught without insurance will escape a driving ban for a first offence under new rules."
Lord Davies of Oldham then said: "The headline of the article that the noble Lord mentions reads: "Let-off for car insurance dodgers", when both he and the House will recognise that the intention is to make sure that car insurance dodgers who get off at present will be successfully prosecuted."
He added: "As I have indicated, we take this offence seriously. Our chosen method with regard to first-time offenders, is to guarantee that everyone becomes aware of the fact that if they drive a motor car on the public road, detection equipment can identify the number of the car, whether that car has been insured and, if not, suitable action will inevitably be taken."
