June 2004

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Put the brakes on uninsured driving, say 97% of Brits, according to MORE TH>N

- MORE TH>N research show three quarters of people surveyed are worried about the number of uninsured drivers on the road
- In addition, the survey revealed over nine out of 10 (97%) people urge the Government to tackle uninsured menaces
- MORE TH>N says reducing the number of uninsured drivers by just a third could save honest motorists £250m2

The number of uninsured drivers on the road – currently around 1 million3 – is a key concern for three-quarters of British motorists. Over nine out of 10 (97%) of the public would welcome more action from the Government to reduce this crime, according to research from motor insurer MORE TH>N.

MORE TH>N research shows, motorists would like to see stricter punishments for uninsured drivers to act as a stronger deterrent against this crime. A third (30%) would like to see offenders taken off the road for good by backing a total driving ban for culprits, with the same number favouring confiscation of the vehicle. A further fifth would welcome larger fines and 16% even favour imprisonment.

A number of suggestions have recently been discussed by Government bodies to help reduce the number of uninsured drivers in the UK. MORE TH>N’s survey asked the public which initiatives they would most support – 65% of those surveyed said they’d support specific schemes, including:
- Nearly a quarter (23%) are in favour of a scheme to link the DVLA, motor insurers and police databases to identify and prosecute drivers without insurance,
- The compulsory display of windscreen insurance discs had equal support,
- And a fifth (19%) were eager to see the introduction of an automatic numberplate recognition scheme to allow the police to spot untaxed and uninsured drivers.
- In addition, nearly a third (31%) would back all of these proposed initiatives.

Now at the end of a pilot testing phase amongst some police forces in Britain4, one Government initiative – the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system – is due to be rolled out nationally in September this year. MORE TH>N welcomes proactive schemes such as this to help reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the roads in Britain caused by uninsured drivers.

The ANPR scheme will work in a similar way to London’s congestion charging initiative where CCTV cameras will record images of car number plates. The system will link to the DVLA, Police National Computer and the Motor Insurers Database, giving it the capability of identifying uninsured as well as untaxed and unroadworthy vehicles.

MORE TH>N says motorists are not just at risk of an accident – they could each save on average £10 per year on their motor insurance premiums if uninsured driving was cut by just a third.

David Pitt, Head of Motor Insurance at MORE TH>N says: “It’s time the uninsured driving issue was placed firmly at top of the Government’s motoring agenda. We are pleased that schemes like the Automatic Numberplate Recognition initiative is due to be up and running soon to help cut the number of uninsured drivers, which could also save lives.

“MORE TH>N would heartily back any initiative to curb uninsured driving crimes. Some schemes may be more effective than others, but what’s important is that more is done now to identify and deal with these criminals. Our research shows that this is an issue that worries many motorists and it’s about time their minds are put at rest.”

For more information on MORE TH>N car insurance or to get a quote customers should contact 0800 300 220 or visit www.morethan.com/car.

Ends
Notes to Editors:

1. Research conducted for MORE TH>N by TNS via telephone interview amongst 1006 GB adults aged 16+ from 11-13th June 2004.
2. Based on ABI stats of £303 cost of uninsured driving to each motorist multiplied by 25million motorists (source DVLA) divided by a third.
3. Source: ABI 31 March 2004 ‘New Research on Uninsured Drivers’
4. About the Northampton police pilot scheme: Northamptonshire police have been involved in a pilot scheme and is one of 23 forces taking part to help intercept criminal activity. Through the 23 police forces in the UK who took part from 21st May 2003, checking 60,000 vehicles over a six hour period, resulting in 2,000 investigations of motor incidents of which 1,000 were reported for offences with 65 arrests being made. The rest of the 1000 offenders would have been largely DVLA violations, possibly some insurance offenders.

About MORE TH>N:
MORE TH>N is the direct financial services arm of Royal & SunAlliance. It offers motor, home, pet, travel and life insurance plus a credit card via the internet and by phone.

Further information:
Claire Allen
MORE TH>N Press Office
Tel: 020 7337 5602
Email: claire.allen@uk.royalsun.com

MORE TH>N is a registered trademark of Royal and SunAlliance Insurance Group plc and a trading style of Royal & SunAlliance Insurance plc (No.93792). Registered in England and Wales at St Mark’s Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XL. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority and a Member of the General Insurance Standards Council. For your protection, telephone calls will be recorded and may be monitored.

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