Uninsured vehicles faced being crushed

Operation Takeaway, began in October after the scheme was successfully piloted in West Cumbria.

Cumbria Police joined forces with a number of organisations including the Fire Service and the Association of British Insurers.

Uninsured drivers faced having their cars crushed, and so far 225 vehicles have been disposed of.

The operation has targeted persistent criminals, drink drivers, banned drivers and even those who have failed to declare their medical conditions to the DVLA or an insurance company.

It is estimated that currently one in 20 motorists drive on the UK's roads with inadequate insurance cover.

The cost to the victims involved in accidents with uninsured drivers is �500 million pounds each year, which increases the average premium for those that are insured by 6% or �30.