Read an article in this mornings Independent about government plans to 'clamp down' on uninsured drivers and couldn't believe what I was reading!
The coalition government want to compare databases from the DVLA and the insurance industry in order to identify uninsured drivers - if they find someone who isn't insured, they will be fined £100, yes thats right, £100. Is £100 enough of a deterrent to stop people failing to insure their car?
When you consider that the majority of uninsured drivers are probably uninsured because they can't afford the premium, or that they can afford it and just refuse to pay - a £100 fine is not only a risk worth taking, but will probably save uninsured drivers a bit of money if they manage to get a few months insurance free driving.
Furthermore, my insurance premium went up over £150 this year - and the reason cited by all the insurance companies who quoted me was "there's more uninsured drivers than ever", and that this was pushing up premiums. So I ask, who exactly is getting punished?
If ministers want to 'clamp down' on uninsured drivers then I suggest they grow a backbone and make punishments much less lenient - a £5000 fine, having their car confiscated and sold, the proceeds of which go to the public purse.
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