POLICE seized more than 2,000 vehicles from uninsured drivers in Dorset last year and warned those still driving without cover that it is only a matter of time before they are caught.

Motorists found driving without a licence or in breach of it also suffered the same fate and saw their vehicles towed away.

It is estimated that, at any one time, one million people drive on Britain's road without insurance - putting people at risk and increasing law-abiding drivers' insurance premiums.

Last year police seized 150,000 uninsured cars across the country - double than the previous year. And it is estimated that 50 per cent of those who drive without insurance are aged under 29.

Between January and December 2007, 2,309 vehicles were recovered by police in Dorset under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act because they were either being driven uninsured, by people without a licence or breaching their licence. Many vehicles were caught by officers using the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system, which has links to insurance and DVLA databases.

Once seized the vehicle is recovered and impounded. Motorists can reclaim their vehicle by showing correct insurance documents and footing the £105 release fee plus an additional storage fee. If the vehicle isn't claimed within 14 days it is disposed of either by being crushed or sold. Drivers will also be handed a fixed penalty notice of up to £200 and could be taken to court and prosecuted.

Just last week the Daily Echo launched its Too Young to Die campaign to encourage safer driving among all motorists, especially the younger generation. Uninsured or unlicensed drivers pose a real hazard to other motorists and road users.

In certain parts of Dorset the number of uninsured drivers is rife. One officer described pulling over uninsured drivers in certain parts of Bournemouth town as "like shooting fish in a barrel".

Nick Power, of Dorset Police's contact management support, said: "2,300 is an impressive number of vehicles if you take into account how many that is a day.

"My message to people driving without insurance is; it is only a matter of time before we catch them. It's completely irresponsible and other drivers are paying for them to do so.

"The level of technology we have means it's very difficult for people to hide for very long and I don't think the vast majority of the public realise how good our technology and intelligence is."

Chief Inspector Rick Dowell, head of Dorset's road policing unit, added: "We are pleased with the number of vehicles seized but we are not so pleased about the fact there are still so many uninsured drivers on the road and people are prepared to drive without a driving licence.

"We will endeavour to continue to identify these vehicles and seize them."

l Police also seized 151 vehicles across Dorset under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act from people seen driving their vehicle in an unsatisfactory manner.