Four of the UK’s 20 worst hotspots for uninsured drivers are in Bradford, new figures have revealed.

The BD9 post-code area ranks third worst with more than six times the national average of uninsured drivers, and BD8 is fifth in the table, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau has revealed.

But the figures represent an improvement for Bradford, with BD3 at number 11, having fallen six places from fifth position.

Great Horton has dropped from seventh to 19th in the table and West Bowling and Bankfoot no longer appear in the top 20.

West Yorkshire Police said a total of 1,790 vehicles were seized in Bradford for having no insurance between June 2011 and May 2012.

Inspector Dorian James, of the Western Area Roads Policing Unit, said: “We have taken some big strides in addressing the problem and we are really beginning to see the fruits of our labour.

“This is thanks to dedicated operations and close partnership working.

“For instance, Operation Northolt has been introduced across the force which provides a highly public demonstration of our multi-agency approach.

“This runs once a month and concentrates on uninsured driving hotspots across the county.

“Action days have already been conducted across the Bradford district including Manningham , Girlington , Frizinghall , Heaton , Barkerend , Keighley centre and Great Horton.

“We are not complacent, however; and we are acutely aware that there is more work to be done in areas like Manningham, Girlington, Frizinghall and Heaton.”

Bradford East MP David Ward, who has campaigned for affordable car insurance, hailed the “intense pressure” being put on uninsured drivers by police, and partnership working between insurers and the DVLA.

“What’s happening is beginning to work,” he said.

“We need to make sure bit by bit we put the pressure on everyone in the system to bring the premiums down, and that will be the next stage.”

Ashton West, chief executive at the MIB, said: “When you talk to people, it’s clear they have little tolerance for the uninsured motorist and want to see more being done.

“Overall the signs are promising, particularly when police enforcement and awareness is combined with the recently introduced scheme for continuous insurance.”

New research carried out on behalf of the MIB in West Yorkshire and the West Midlands has found a third of people do not understand the laws on car insurance.

Mr West said the bureau was working with police and community leaders to engage people and improve their awareness of the law and consequences of driving uninsured.