Two thousand cars could be seized a year warn police, as they launch a major blitz on uninsured and unlicensed drivers.

And owners will have just 14 days to make amends or see their cars get crushed or dismantled.

Cleveland Police started the new campaign after a pilot scheme proved a success.

Inspector Ian Garrett, spearheading the clampdown in Stockton, said: "Such motorists are a menace on the roads, which we are not prepared to tolerate.

"Through advances in technology we can now ascertain whether a driver is insured through a simple licence plate check. What's more these checks can now be done by roadside cameras 24 hours a day, so there is no hiding."

Criminals regularly use unlicensed vehicles when carrying out offences and statistics show that uninsured drivers are nine times more likely to be involved in an accident, five times more likely to drink drive and three times more likely to drive without due care and attention. It is estimated that £30 in every car insurance premium goes towards covering the cost of uninsured drivers.

Using number plate recognition technology, roadside cameras detect uninsured cars and alert traffic patrol officers. The car can then be pulled over and the driver ordered to hand over the keys.

In the past these drivers have been taken to court for traffic offences. Now they will still be prosecuted for the traffic offences but they will also have their cars taken from them.

If they fail to take out a policy and pay recovery and storage charges within 14 days their cars will face the crusher.

Inspector Ian Garrett added, "The public can report any suspicions to the neighbourhood police teams through 01642 302433 or by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."