Plate scanning cameras help cops spot dodgy drivers

Police forces have started to use automatic number plate recognition cameras to spot, seize and destroy cars being driven without insurance.

The cameras are linked to a database which contains details of all vehicles registered in the UK which are believed to be uninsured.

Transport Secretary, Alistair Darling, said in a statement: "We are creating a new offence of keeping a vehicle without insurance. This will be enforced through a new database of insurance details which means that uninsured drivers don't even need to be on the road to be caught."

It is estimated that every law-abiding motorist pays an extra £30 per year because of uninsured drivers.

Evidence indicates that up to one in 10 vehicles on the road is being used illegally - many by people with no insurance. And people with no insurance are more likely to be involved in other criminal activity, and in collisions, according to police.

Earlier this year the government gave the police new powers, to seize and ultimately dispose of any vehicle being found driven uninsured.

There are an estimated two million vehicles being driven uninsured on Britain's roads.