Petrol prices boost numbers of uninsured

They cost us £30 each but who will catch them?

By PH Staff / Monday, 11 July 2005 / Loading comments

How many of these are uninsured?

According to one report, the number of uninsured drivers is on the rise -- because of the hike in petrol prices. And it's regional too. Of the estimated 1.4 million drivers motoring around and into whom you really don't want to crash, the highest numbers are to be found in Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and east London, according to the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA).

The organisation said that the fine for being caught, often as little as £150, was so low that the savings on insurance became more worthwhile as the price of petrol rose. The organisation added that policyholders pay for the uninsured, to the tune of up to £30 annually extra on the premium.

BIBA also released a fatuous poll that suggested 96 per cent of those surveyed said they supported tougher penalties for the crime of driving while uninsured, with just over half supporting confiscation of the vehicle. BIBA didn't say whether the surveyed individuals would support a reduction in the revenue-raising speed camera regime in favour of more traffic police in order to raise the detection rate, rather than increasing the penalties for crimes that are currently going undetected.

Ask yourself which would be the most effective strategy.