Around 17,000 uninsured cars seized across Essex over past four years
Figures from the AA show the number of seizures remained consistent - despite the pandemic
Last updated 4th Oct 2022
Around 17,000 cars have been taken off the roads of Essex over the past four years for being uninsured.
The AA submitted Freedom of Information requests to all 46 UK police forces - including Essex Police.
Since 2018, Essex Police have taken 17,190 vehicles off the roads after finding the drivers didn't have insurance.
More than half a million uninsured cars were seized across the UK across the four years.
The AA estimates there are approximately one million uninsured drivers on the road each year, however as the cost of living crisis deepens it fears some drivers may be lured into driving without insurance.
Gus Park, managing director for AA Insurance Services, said: “Every driver is worried about being involved in a collision, but worse still is the other party being uninsured.
“With approximately a million uninsured drivers on the road each year, we believe it is right to protect our members with our Uninsured Driver Promise**. This gives peace of mind to our customers should they be involved in a crash with an uninsured driver.
“Sadly, we know that when times are hard some people try to cut their costs, and one area people are tempted to chance it, is cutting out their motor insurance. However, these figures show that forces across the country are on the lookout and will take uninsured car away.
“Don’t take the risk. Not only is there the chance of having your car seized, but the criminal and financial hardship is not worth the gamble.”