Petrol station CCTV to be used to catch uninsured drivers

Updated
Petrol station CCTV to be used to catch uninsured drivers
Petrol station CCTV to be used to catch uninsured drivers

PA


Government ministers are considering proposals to use petrol station CCTV to catch drivers who are not insured.

The Sun reports that it could be possible to link the CCTV cameras to the DVLA computer in Swansea, which would identify uninsured cars. The pump would then automatically switch off and police would be alerted.

David Cameron believes that this could be an effective way to keep uninsured drivers off the road, as they wouldn't risk filling up if there was a high chance they would be caught out.

A senior government source told The Sun: "Most garages have the technology. It's just a case of adapting it.

"Motorists already have to wait a few seconds before they fill up while their number is checked against a list of petrol thieves.

"It shouldn't take much longer also to check if the vehicle is insured. This could be a major deterrent which we hope will drive uninsured motorists off the road."

Last June a new law came into force, enabling police to clamp uninsured cars. However this has not proved to be an effective solution.

As it stands, almost 1.4 million UK drivers have no cover. Uninsured drivers kill about 160 people a year and injure 23,000, adding an average of £30 onto every premium.

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