AA criticizes low fines for uninsured drivers
Monday, 28 November 2011 04:41
The AA has warned that fines handed out to motorists who commit driving offences are too lenient and do little to discourage rogue drivers from committing more offences.
Following a written parliamentary answer that shows fines are often less than the fixed penalty notice for an offence, AA insurance wants fine to offer a greater disincentive to repeat offenders who are uninsured.
The AA says that the average fine, which is just £200, for drivers caught driving without insurance will outrage honest motorists who are often on the receiving end of driving misdemeanours.
Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance said: “I certainly think that the UK is far too soft on hard-core uninsured drivers and most people will consider a fine of £200 is an insult.
“Although there is a fixed penalty of £200 and six penalty points for driving without insurance, the police will prosecute for serious offences – yet the fines imposed by the courts are often less than that. It is hardly a disincentive, given that typical cost of insurance for someone aged between 17 and 22 is around £2,500.
“I believe uninsured drivers should pay the equivalent of the unpaid insurance premium, which can easily be calculated, in addition to a fine. What’s more, the fine should be sufficiently great to make them think twice before offending.
“This could be coupled with community service orders and for repeat offenders, possibly custodial sentences.”
The AA has released research that shows the variation in the amount and scale of fines meted out throughout the UK for incidents involving uninsured drivers.
Unsurprisingly, during 2010, the Metropolitan police area of London saw the highest number of fines issued; 21,449 averaging £290, the highest average fine, during 2010.
Durham had the lowest number of fines issued; just 1,040 at an average of £150.
It is estimated that one in 25 motorists in the UK drives without insurance, one of the poorest ratios in Europe. This compares to an estimated one in 500 in Germany.
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