There are an estimated one million uninsured drivers in the UK

New laws being announced by the government will give police access to insurance company records.

Currently police have to catch uninsured drivers using their cars in order to prosecute them.

But the new powers will make it illegal to own a car without insuring it or declaring that it is not being used.

As well as the fines, the new powers will mean uninsured drivers could have their vehicles seized or crushed.

BBC transport correspondent Tom Symonds says the estimated one million uninsured drivers in the UK cost law-abiding motorists £30 each in extra insurance premiums each year.

Uninsured drivers are also more likely to have accidents and police say they often commit more serious offences.

The planned change will mean police can automatically send out fines based on insurance company records.

Cameras that can read number plates - such as those used in London's congestion charging zone - will also be used to trap uninsured drivers.