British Send Uninsured Cars to Crusher

In an attempt to control the numbers of uninsured drivers, the United Kingdom's Department for Transport has issued a set of proposals that includes allowing police to confiscate and destroy vehicles. More than 1 million British drivers lack insurance, and these drivers are 10 times more likely to have been convicted of drunk driving, six times more likely to have been convicted of driving unsafe vehicles, and three times more likely to have been convicted of driving recklessly, according to the Association of British Insurers. In addition, accidents involving these motorists cost more than ?200 million ($366 million).

The proposed measures would give the police the power to seize and, in appropriate cases, destroy vehicles that are driven by someone who is uninsured. The Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency's Vehicle Register and the Motor Insurance Databases also would be linked, allowing police to know which vehicles on the road are uninsured, and penalties would be set for people who ignore reminders that their insurance has expired.