The government has announced new proposals to tackle the problem of...

The government has announced new proposals to tackle the problem of uninsured driving.

In an amendment to the Road Safety Bill, it will be made an offence to own a car which is uninsured and not registered as off the road.

The police will identify and prosecute uninsured motorists using a database of all registered vehicles in the UK.

Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said: "We estimate that every law-abiding motorist pays £30 a year because of uninsured drivers. This new measure will be coupled with new police powers to electronically spot and ultimately seize and destroy cars without insurance. We are determined to rid the roads of the menace of uninsured driving."

The ABI welcomed the announcement, saying the move could significantly reduce the level of uninsured driving and improve road safety.

Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance, said: “We pushed for [this measure's] introduction, and are very pleased that the government now intends to make it law. It could have a dramatic impact on reducing the level of uninsured driving.”

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