Government plans to clamp down on uninsured drivers and make it an offence to keep a vehicle without cover have been welcomed by motorists.

According to research by AA Insurance, the results of which were revealed at an Association of British Insurers motor conference this week, over two thirds of car insurance customers are in favour of the proposals.

Out of nearly 14,000 AA members questioned, female car insurance customers emerged as more enthusiastic about the plans than their male counterparts. Drivers aged between 18 and 24 proved less likely to be in favour of the new offence.

"Police already do have and do use powers to confiscate uninsured vehicles on the public highway," noted Paul Watters, head of public affairs at the AA. "Under new legislation, they will also have the power to issue penalties for offending vehicles that are on private land."

Under the new rules, motorists without car insurance face being fined £100 or having their vehicle seized and destroyed. However, police have been urged to be sympathetic towards anyone who "inadvertently" commits an offence, for example if illness delays their car insurance renewal or a registration number mistake is made on a car insurance certificate.

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