More than 2,000 uninsured drivers were deprived of their vehicles in just over two years, according to Suffolk constabulary figures.

Last year 1,004 motorists had their cars, vans, and motorbikes confiscated, while in 2013 the number of vehicles taken away was 933.

By the end of March this year 261 drivers had already lost their transport after being caught with no insurance or driving without the proper licence.

The figures were revealed after analysis showed around 28,000 cars had been seized by police in the UK during this year.

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, head of roads policing for Suffolk & Norfolk, said: “Police carry out checks on vehicles on a regular basis, both through roadside operations and in the course of day-to-day duties.

“Officers do have powers to be able to seize vehicles in certain circumstances – for example if a vehicle is being driven without insurance or is repeatedly involved in anti-social behaviour.

“Anyone driving on public roads has to be licensed appropriately, be driving a vehicle in a roadworthy condition and have the relevant insurance and police will continue to take action against anyone who is found to be driving while uninsured.”

A study by Churchill Car Insurance has discovered at least 27,688 cars have been confiscated by UK police forces in 2015 because the vehicle was uninsured.

The research highlights London as the uninsured vehicle capital of the UK, with the Met Police having seized 9,935 cars already this year.

It is twice the number of the second highest constabulary, West Yorkshire, where 4,125 cars have been seized.

Among the marque car brands are Ferraris, Bentleys and Lamborghinis. Officers have seized over 40 Porsches, 10 Bentleys and 1,767 BMWs.

At the time of compiling the figures the Met had seized 810 BMWS, 386 Audis, 21 Porsches, five Bentleys, two Lamborghinis and a Ferrari.