Drivers risk cars being seized as new traffic rules put thousands of vehicles in danger

But the move has sparked concern that rising costs could push some drivers into cutting corners just to stay on the road.

Industry experts have warned higher everyday expenses often lead motorists to take risks, which can result in vehicles being seized by police.

Liverpool City Council said the higher charges are "needed to support financial sustainability". But those working in the motor and insurance sectors warned the impact will be felt most by people who rely on their vehicles for work, including tradespeople and van drivers.

Phil Evans, Managing Director at temporary insurance provider GoShorty, said rising costs often lead to dangerous decisions.

"When everyday costs like parking go up, we often see knock-on effects elsewhere," he said. "Drivers start taking shortcuts, such as borrowing a van without the right cover, letting insurance lapse, or hoping they won't get stopped."

More worryingly, Mr Evans warned that cities like Liverpool offer little leniency for drivers who fall foul of the rules.

"Unfortunately, enforcement in cities like Liverpool is strict, and the consequences are immediate," he added. "If a vehicle is seized, it must be insured before it can be released, and storage fees can add up quickly."

The warning comes as motorists already face higher fuel prices, insurance premiums and maintenance costs.

Data from GoShorty highlighted the scale of the issue nationwide. In 2023, nearly 200,000 vehicles were impounded across the UK, an increase of more than 7,000 vehicles compared with the previous year.

The company warned there was little improvement in 2024, with drivers continuing to be caught without proper insurance despite the financial pressures they were under.

Looking ahead, GoShorty predicted vehicle seizures could rise further through the year, as motoring costs continue to climb in Liverpool and other major cities.

The figures suggest many drivers are still ignoring warnings about the consequences of driving uninsured. Experts fear higher parking charges could push even more people into making risky decisions.

Strong enforcement across the North of England underlines the danger. Greater Manchester Police's Operation Wolverine removed more than 10,000 uninsured vehicles from the roads in 2023 alone. July and August accounted for over 1,000 seizures.

The operation showed how aggressively authorities are targeting uninsured drivers, with little sympathy for those trying to save money.

The success of Operation Wolverine highlighted the risks facing anyone tempted to cut corners on insurance, especially as enforcement teams increasingly rely on automatic number plate recognition technology.

With Liverpool now introducing higher parking charges, drivers could face similar consequences if they fail to keep their paperwork in order.

However, the council insisted the new charges were necessary to protect its finances. However, critics warned the move unfairly targets workers who have no choice but to drive into the city centre.

Tradespeople and van users will be particularly affected, as public transport is often not an option for carrying tools or equipment. The extension of evening charges until 11pm also means those working late shifts or finishing jobs outside normal hours will now pay more than before.

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