Uninsured cars could face crusher

Owners without insurance face having their cars crushed

Police on Teesside are using technology to crack down on uninsured and unlicensed drivers.

Roadside cameras using number plate recognition technology will alert traffic patrol officers to any offending vehicles.

In the past owners have been taken to court for traffic offences.

However, following a successful pilot scheme, as well as prosecution owners also risk having their cars seized then crushed or dismantled.

'No hiding'

Cleveland Police has set a target of 2,000 vehicles to be removed during the coming year.

Inspector Ian Garrett said: "As well as posing a real danger to themselves, other road users and pedestrians, uninsured drivers hit every responsible motorist in the pocket.

"Through advances in technology we can now ascertain whether a driver is insured through a simple licence plate check.

"What's more these checks can now be done by roadside cameras 24 hours a day, so there is no hiding."