Uninsured drivers in Shropshire have been warned they have nowhere to hide after new rules have been introduced.

Dave Williams, from Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury, said under the new Continuous Insurance Enforcement law uninsured drivers were facing serious consequences.

"The law came into force this week and it is now an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle, even if you don't drive it on the roads.

"If you fail to comply, then ultimately your car could be seized and crushed - you could also face a fine, or court action."

Dave said a national advertising campaign had already been launched by the Motor Insurers' Bureau to remind motorists of their new responsibilities.

"The crackdown is a direct attempt to tackle the menace of uninsured driving, and its tough approach is deliberate.

"Every year uninsured drivers kill 160 people and injure another 23,000, costing honest motorists £500 million in extra premiums.

"The new rules mean the registered keeper of any vehicle must make sure it is insured at all times, not just when they are driving it."

Dave said the DVLA would be working in partnership with the Motor Insurers' Bureau to identify uninsured vehicles by comparing their database information, and the owners would be contacted to warn them they could face legal action.

"If the keeper fails to insure the vehicle, they will be given a £100 fine, and it stays uninsured, more serious action will be taken.

"If the vehicle is on public land, it could be clamped, seized and destroyed, or court action could lead to a £1,000 fine. The only exception to the rule will be vehicles with a valid Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) which will not be required to be insured.

"Motorists must make sure they pay attention to the rule change, or face the consequences of a strict new regime."