HUNDREDS of vehicles are being seized by Dorset Police each year for no insurance - with a high majority being subsequently crushed.

The figures, obtained by Cuvva via a Freedom of Information Request, show that in 2016 969 vehicles were seized by Dorset Police for no insurance, with 1,085 seized in 2017.

Of those 2,054 vehicles seized in the two years, 1,099 were subsequently crushed.

Inspector Matt Butler of the traffic unit said: "Uninsured drivers cost not just the economy, as well as those drivers who do insure their vehicles, hundreds of thousands of pounds every year. Those who choose not to insure their vehicles are more likely to be involved in other criminality as well."

When police seize a vehicle for not having insurance, the owner or driver has seven days to produce the relevant documentation - proof of ownership of the vehicle and a valid insurance certificate. In many cases, people are not able to prove ownership because they are not the registered keeper or they have not notified the DVLA of a change of ownership. In other cases, people drive without insurance and once the vehicle has been compounded it can be difficult and expensive to get insurance.

If a valid insurance certificate cannot be provided within seven days, the vehicle will be disposed of after 14 days in compound. If claiming a car, there’s still a £300 fixed penalty fine along with six points on the driver’s licence, and then an additional £150 recovery fee and £20 a day storage fee.

The decision as to whether the vehicle is crushed is dependent on its value, Dorset Police added.