MORE than a third of male drivers aged between 18 and 20 have driven without insurance or a licence, according to the RAC Foundation.

Approximately 5 per cent of all motorists now drive uninsured, which adds £30 to £60 to the premiums of other motorists.

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, said: “These drivers cause more accidents and are more likely to be involved in other serious crimes than insured drivers.

“A higher police presence on our roads might help to deter some of the opportunist uninsured who take a calculated risk that they are unlikely to be stopped. The reduction in traffic police has been linked to the increase of speed cameras. Unfortunately the speed camera does nothing to deter the uninsured motorist.

“Sentences also need to act as a deterrent. Many drivers estimate that if they get stopped they might be fined £200, which is often a fraction of their insurance premium. If offenders cannot afford to pay fines, then other appropriate punishments such as community service should be demanded.

“Many young drivers believe that they are being priced out of the insurance market. We would like to see more initiatives, such as Pass Plus, with more generous discounts offered to young drivers who participate in extra driver training.”