A SUFFOLK MP today released figures suggesting Suffolk has more of a problem with uninsured drivers than neighbouring Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

A SUFFOLK MP today released figures suggesting Suffolk has more of a problem with uninsured drivers than neighbouring Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Following a question tabled by Bury, Needham Market and Stowmarket MP David Ruffley, figures for 2004 show that 5,178 prosecutions took place in Suffolk magistrates courts.

In Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, this figure stood at 5,084 and 3,120 respectively.

The figures were obtained through Mr Ruffley's questioning of Vernon Coaker, parliamentary under secretary at the Home Office.

Mr Ruffley said: “These statistics suggest that, while there has been a slight decrease in the number of offenders, Suffolk seems to have more of a problem with uninsured drivers than neighbouring Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

“Clamping down on uninsured drivers is vital to keeping our roads a safer place to be for the vast majority of Suffolk's residents who are law abiding.

“Uninsured drivers are a blight on our community and I applaud our local police force's efforts to stamp them out - congratulations should be offered to Suffolk Constabulary for ensuring some many of the offending motorists in our county were caught and prosecuted.”