Despite making up just seven per cent of the car insurance market, drivers under the age of 25 account for over one-fifth of total premiums, it has been revealed.

According to research carried out by price comparison website uSwitch.com, young drivers are paying an average of £989 on premiums, more than double the national average of £459, meaning they are charged £940 million more than other motorists in total.

Insurance expert at the firm Ashton Berkhauer said that the recently announced government Equalities Bill could mean the end of the road for higher premiums for young drivers.

"However, insurers have to price by risk and there is clear evidence that younger drivers are more of a hazard on the roads," he added.

"If the Bill calls for pricing to be equal across age groups this could lead to a rise in premiums for lower risk, safer drivers, who would effectively be subsidising their higher risk counterparts."

Mr Berkhauer went on to say this could also lead to a situation where more 'boy racers' find they can afford to insure faster, flashier cars, making British roads more dangerous and increasing the need for comprehensive car insurance.

This week, a 13 kilometre section of road between Macclesfield and Buxton was named the UK's most dangerous by the Road Safety Foundation.