Premier league footballer given maximum fine for driving without insurance

Nicklas Bendtner caught and fined for driving without insurance.

Ashton West, Chief Executive at the Motor Insurers’ Bureau commented on the penalty and fine issued to Arsenal footballer, Nicklas Bendtner (24), “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, there are no excuses for driving without insurance. So much has been done in recent years to reduce the level of uninsured driving and so it’s disappointing that someone like Nicklas Bendtner, who is in a high profile position, has not done what the law requires. The fact that he has been caught by the police sends a clear message to those who may be tempted.

“He now has to pay nearly £5,000 and has six points on his licence but for a newly qualified driver, the penalty for driving without insurance would be more severe as they could lose their licence altogether, in addition to having their vehicle seized.”

”As the typical uninsured driver is male and aged between 17-29 years, Bendtner’s actions don’t set a good example to this group. A professional footballer should be a role model to these people.”

• There are 6 million licensed drivers aged 17-29 years on UK roads at this time.
• Nearly 900,000 licensed drivers aged 17-29 years were estimated to be driving without insurance in 2008; compared with over 400,000 in 2011.
• Newly qualified drivers caught using a vehicle without insurance will lose their licence.
• For more information and advice, visit: www.mib.org.uk and www.askMID.com

Ros Connors joined me on Drivetime last month, reporting on the Continuous Insurance Enforcement law to tackle uninsured motoring, as there are an estimated 1.2 million uninsured drivers on our roads. Under the scheme it is an offence to be the keeper of an uninsured vehicle, even if it is not on the road.
Published by Jack Sullivan, 7:25pm Tuesday 31st July 2012