Planned car crashes increase in Stockport

10.36.52am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 20th Apr 2007

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell met insurance bosses in Westminster yesterday in a bid to tackle the growing problem of so-called induced motor accidents in Greater Manchester.

Following his meeting, Mr Stunell said:

"I was given evidence of a deliberate scam going on in Stockport, where unscrupulous people are driving to busy junctions and performing unnecessary emergency stops so innocent drivers crash into the back of them. They then put in multiple insurance claims, often on behalf of non-existent passengers, pocketing thousands of pounds.

"Oldham and Bolton have been hot-spots for these frauds, but now it has spread to Stockport.

"Induced motor accidents cause untold upset and shock to thousands of people every year, and often cost them their no-claims bonus, too.

"Insurance companies are also alarmed by this issue, which may be adding 5% to average insurance premiums. I am working with the Association of British Insurers to get a national, well resourced strategy to detect and prevent these crimes, and for strong police action against the fraudsters." ENDS