Motorists who drive without taking out van insurance are committing a serious crime, the Motor Insurer’s Bureau has said.

Recent research by the Bureau revealed that around two million UK motorists are driving without adequate insurance and the group said that they do not realise the serious nature of what they are doing.

However, Communications Assistant Lorraine Preston said a government push is addressing the problem and that progress has already been made: "The police and MIB along with the government are determined to change both the perceptions and behaviour of the uninsured into those of honest motorists." She added that the government is to reveal more plans in the next few months intended to try and change people's attitudes towards driving without insurance.

The Motor Insurer's Bureau also revealed that in 2007, 150,000 uninsured cars, motorbikes and vans around the UK were seized. Of that number, 40% of the vehicles were either crushed or disposed of by other means.