Thousands of cars are being crushed after being confiscated by police, according to figures just released.

Technology, such as the automatic number plate recognition system, has improved detection rates, said the Association of British Insurers (ABI) at the annual motor conference.

Police roadside checks have so far caught 100,000 uninsured vehicles this year compared to 78,000 in 2006.

Of the vehicles impounded this year 45,000 were flattened.

The Motor Insurers' Bureau's (MBI) Ashton West, said: "The fight against uninsured drivers has now stepped up a gear and we expect vehicle seizure numbers to increase over the coming months."

There are fears that far too many drivers are flouting the law and are a risk to other road users.

Nick Starling from the ABI welcomes the new crackdown.

He said that motorists driving without insurance were a "menace" and frequently drove unsafe vehicles.

In addition, honest drivers are being penalised with higher premiums, estimated at an extra £30 per motorist per year.

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