A Bradford suburb has lost its unenviable crown as the country’s worst area for uninsured drivers.

The BD3 postcode area, which includes Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Thornbury, has slipped to fourth worst in the last two years with an estimated 18,457 vehicles being driven without insurance, it was revealed today.

However, it remains the postcode area with the most uninsured drivers when taking together figures gathered over the 13 years the Motor Insurers Bureau has been keeping records.

And four parts of Bradford are among the ten worst in the country for uninsured driving.

They are BD3 in fourth place, Frizinghall and Heaton (BD9) at six, Girlington, Manningham and Lower Grange (BD8) at seven and Great Horton (BD7) at eight.

The figures show three areas of Birmingham as having more uninsured vehicles than Barkerend.

In 2008 the Bureau revealed nearly two-thirds of car owners in Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Thornbury did not have valid insurance.

A bureau spokesman said: “We believe the improvement is because of the promising work enforcement authorities have done.”

The Bradford Safer Communities Partnership has restructured its approach to Roads Policing and Bradford Council has made efforts to expand the Automatic Number Plate Recognition System.

Bradford South divisional commander Chief Superintendent Alison Rose said: “Between July 1, 2009, and June 30 this year there have been 2,116 vehicles seized for no insurance in the Bradford district.

“This positive approach is feeding into an improvement which we are beginning to see within these latest figures. We will continue to undertake proactive operations, in conjunction with the council and other partners.”

Councillor Ian Greenwood, leader of Bradford Council, said: “We have been working closely with the police and partners to tackle uninsured drivers.”