Hundreds of cars sent to crusher

A total of 322 unclaimed vehicles seized were sent to the crusher

More than 1,000 uninsured and untaxed vehicles have been removed from Fife's roads in the past year.

Fife Constabulary figures showed that 1,231 vehicles were removed, of which 322 were sent to the crusher.

The rest were returned to their owners after evidence of insurance was produced, along with a recovery fee.

A scheme was launched in August 2007 using new powers introduced to crack down on people who drive their vehicles illegally on Scotland's roads.

Unlicensed drivers have also been targeted.

Figures revealed that 28% of the seizures involved drivers aged 25 and under.

Insp Davy Houston, of the road policing department, said: "Many of these vehicles are the very ones that we don't want on the roads of our local communities.

"The numbers driving whilst uninsured means that this is a tactic that we will continue to exercise."

About two million motorists drive without insurance every year, according to figures from the Motor Insurers' Bureau.