UK drivers have been issued a warning as the Labour Government plans to double fines for a major offence. A new road safety strategy is set to increase fixed penalty notices (FPNs) from £300 to £600 for anyone caught without valid car insurance.
There are reportedly around 300,000 uninsured motorists across the UK. The Government believes these drivers are pushing up the cost of car insurance for everyone else, with the average premium currently at £551 a year. As well as increasing fines, the new plans, which are expected to be announced on Monday (January 5), will include an increase in penalty points for those breaking the rules.
Local transport minister Lilian Greenwood told The Telegraph: “Our Road Safety Strategy sends a clear message: if you drive uninsured, you will face the consequences.
“Driving without insurance is not a victimless crime – it pushes up the cost of premiums for the law-abiding majority, and when uninsured drivers are involved in crashes, innocent road users are left facing an uphill battle to get the compensation they deserve.
“That’s why we are taking decisive action to remove uninsured drivers from our roads – to keep our roads safe, and ensure those who flout the rules are held accountable.”
Ministers want fines for uninsured drivers to exceed the average premium cost. They are also keen to increase penalties on drivers without a valid MOT.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to argue that the UK is “turning the corner” as he sets out his new plans on Monday. He is also set to say that 2026 is the “year more people will feel renewal becoming reality”.
According to The Telegraph, the Prime Minister will say: “I know families across the country are still worried about the cost of living. There will be no let-up in our fight to make life better for them.”
