SIR – I am amazed that five uninsured drivers per day are discovered by the police, but surely crushing the vehicles is not sensible, even if it is legal.

I thought only magistrates and judges with juries could mete out punishment.

I know there are some illegal activities that can incur an on-the-spot fixed penalty, but not for really serious offences.

What if an owner has his car parked on his drive awaiting an insurance certificate and it is stolen and picked up by the police?

Philip Bird, Nab Wood Terrace, Shipley