15/08/2008

Uninsured drivers get lower fines but are killing more people than ever

The number of deaths caused by uninsured drivers has risen by nearly a third in six years while offenders have been facing softer penalties.

Figures show that the average fines for driving without insurance have dropped by 17% since 1997 from £224 to £185. But uninsured drivers are killing four people a week, more than ever before.

In 2006 a total of 208 people died in road crashes caused by uninsured drivers, compared with 160 in 2000, the first year for which accurate figures are available.

Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Mark Hunter said: “It beggars belief that penalties for uninsured drivers have become more lenient on this Government’s watch.

“Uninsured drivers are a dangerous and often fatal blight on our roads and responsible motorists are forking out for higher premiums to pay for their misadventure.”

Crashes caused by uninsured drivers cost £500 million a year in insurance claims and add about £30 each year to the policies of law-abiding motorists, according to Direct Line and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

In 2006 a total of 263,000 uninsured drivers were convicted, compared with 255,000 in 1997. However, there are around 1.5 million uninsured drivers on Britain’s roads.

(The Times)
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