Uninsured drivers should face tougher penalties and more prison sentences, according to the British Insurance Broker’s Association (BIBA).

BIBA claims the increased petrol costs motorists face adds to the growth in the numbers of motorists who are driving without insurance and that tougher penalties would curb this problem.

The BIBA announcement comes after recent AA Motoring Trust figures suggest that every penny rise in the cost of petrol adds at least 0.1p to the running costs per mile of the average car.

A recent poll carried out amongst BIBA members showed support for tougher penalties for uninsured drivers. 96% of BIBA members supported tougher penalties, 51% believe car seizures is the best deterrent for uninsured drivers and 28% support more prison sentences.

Graeme Trudgill, technical services manager at BIBA, says: “Given the fact that the punishment for being caught driving uninsured is often not much deterrent, consisting of a fine of up to £150, more motorists are either driving without cover or are considering it. We must act now and introduce much tougher penalties if we are to stop this problem becoming worse.”

"Our members see the effects of uninsured driving on their clients every day. Not only do uninsured drivers add an estimated £30 to every motor policy premium of honest motorists, they can also cost insured drivers thousands if they are involved in an accident with them. We feel that one of the best ways to deter offenders is to ensure that the punishment fits the crime, which unfortunately is not the case at the moment," added Trudgill.