Ghost drivers on the rise: more than a quarter of a million motorists fail to verify their identity when stopped by police

• In the last five years, more than a quarter of a million (281,395) drivers failed to supply the required identification when stopped by the police
• Convictions for not confirming the identity of the driver have increased by 46 per cent
• 73,321 drivers convicted last year for failing to disclose their identity
• Drivers in London, North West and Midlands are the worst ID offenders
   

New analysis1 from Churchill Car Insurance reveals 73,321 drivers in England and Wales were convicted last year for failing to supply the necessary identification when stopped by the police.  Convictions for failing to disclose the identity of the driver have increased by 46 per cent in the last five years, ranking as the second most common motoring conviction behind speeding in 2015.

More than quarter of a million drivers failed to supply the necessary identity information after being stopped by the police in the last five years.  When a driver is stopped by the police, they can be asked to provide on the spot identification such as a driving licence, insurance certificate or MOT certificate. If the driver fails to do so, they must supply the correct ID information at a police station within seven days or risk a court summons and driving conviction. Failing to identify a driver can result in a driving ban or six points being added to a licence. 

Regional findings

On a regional basis, the worst offenders for identity verification with the highest number of convictions are drivers in London (60,643), accounting for over a fifth (22 per cent) of all cases in the past five years. The North West (47,768) and the West Midlands (28,828) were second and third respectively. The biggest spike in convictions was in Yorkshire and Humberside, where the number of drivers convicted for not supplying the correct identification increased by almost four times from 2,343 in 2011 to 8,972 in 2015.

Table One: Regional breakdown of motoring convictions for failing to supply correct driver ID information between 2011 and 2015

Source: Churchill’s Analysis of Ministry of Justice Data, 2011 - 2015

According to the analysis, significantly more men than women fail to supply the right ID information in response to a police request. In the last five years, 185,425 male drivers have been convicted compared to 50,066 female drivers.2

Steve Barrett, head of car insurance at Churchill commented:“Thousands of motorists are being convicted for failing to supply the necessary forms of driving ID, despite the fact it’s a compulsory request by the police when they stop drivers on the road. This is important because it allows the police to verify that the driver is qualified and legally allowed to drive their vehicle and anyone driving without a valid licence is a potential threat to other road users.”

“It is important that drivers ensure they have the relevant documentation to hand, or take the necessary steps to replace any misplaced paperwork as quickly as they can. Drivers are granted a short seven day window in order to verify their identity. After this they risk breaking the law and facing a court summons.”

ENDS

1   Analysis by Churchill Car Insurance of Ministry of Justice data (2011 – 2015) on recorded incidents where individuals failed to supply information as to identity of driver when required in England and Wales

2  There were a further 45,894 cases (16 per cent) where no record of gender was recorded for drivers did not supply the necessary ID information

For further information, please contact:

Chloe French 
PR Manager 
Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 715
Email: Chloe.French@directlinegroup.co.uk

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com