Just 550,000 vehicles from the estimated 5 million relevant fleet and motor trade vehicles have been loaded onto the new Motor Insurance Database – and the new legislation comes into effect on January 20.

The Motor Insurers' Information Centre, which has been tasked with administering and publicising the initiative within the industry, is concerned at the lack of progress within the trade.

The initiative, which is targeted at tackling the problem of uninsured driving which motor insurers claim costs UK motorists £600m per year, is compulsory under the new EU Motor Insurance Directive.

Says MIIC program director Donald Martin:”We are urging fleet managers and motor traders to avoid a last minute panic and the possibility of missing a legal deadline. Act now and contact your insurance company or broker to find out about loading your vehicle insurance data now.”