The Motor Insurers’ Bureau says that the RM19 postcode in Thurrock ranks top for uninsured driving defendants, with five of the top 15 places being taken by postcodes in the West Midlands. It said postcodes in Peterborough, Manchester, Belfast and Havering also made the top 15. MIB released the data to mark the start of its annual Operation Drive Insured campaign.

Martin Saunders, head of enforcement at MIB, said: “Whilst we focus on uninsured driving every day of the year, Operation Drive Insured is a key moment in the year to draw attention to the devastation this issue causes to our society.

“Our aim is to end uninsured driving, which means working closely with the police across the UK to remove dangerous vehicles from our roads. At the same time, we are ramping up our support for motorists who want to drive legally, providing them with the knowledge they need to have the right cover in place.”

Adam Pipe, head of roads policing at Essex Police, added: “Uninsured vehicles pose a serious threat to road safety and community trust. By tackling this issue directly we’re supporting responsible drivers and ensuring our roads are safer for everyone.”

MIB cited government figures that put the economic cost of uninsured driving at £1bn annually. This includes compensation for victims, emergency services, medical costs and loss of productivity.