Press release no:15 - DVLA joins forces with Sussex Police in crime crackdown

The Brighton and Hove area is significantly safer today following the conclusion of Operation Vanquish, a ten day joint offensive between DVLA and Sussex Police to crack down on car crime.

During the operation, a total of 181 untaxed vehicles were stopped, 112 of which were seized and impounded and the remaining 69 drivers paid on the spot fines for failing to tax their vehicles. In addition to driving without tax, 18 motorists were also caught driving without a driving licence or insurance. A further seven arrests were made for other offences including theft of motor vehicles, forgery, and driving whilst disqualified.

The operation was part of an ongoing initiative by DVLA and Sussex Police to target untaxed vehicles, the drivers of which are often involved in other criminal activity such as drugs, anti social behaviour, burglary and violent crime. It also removes potentially dangerous vehicles from the road, often without MOT and insurance. The initiative clearly demonstrates both Sussex Police and the DVLA’s commitment to working together to clean up vehicle crime and improve road safety.

“The drivers of untaxed cars are often involved in some other form of criminal activity, whether that be transporting drugs or driving without insurance or an MOT – both of which have a direct impact on the community and other motorists,” explains Jeff Mumford, Head of Compliance at DVLA. “In the two weeks of this operation, we have worked with Sussex Police to identify and seize untaxed vehicles, with a high number of motorists paying up on the spot to avoid losing their vehicle. Numerous other offences were also identified and dealt with by the police.”

The change in car tax laws and the national crackdown by DVLA is great news for overall road safety. It helps the police to fight car crime by making more vehicles traceable and reducing the pool of unregistered and potentially unsafe cars that can be used with relative impunity by criminals. As car tax can only be purchased with a valid MOT certificate and insurance, it also reduces the number of illegal cars on our roads.

Commenting on the operation's success, PC Bryan Huberman of Sussex Police said:

“We are working closely with DVLA to remind drivers that not taxing your vehicle is against the law. Many of the vehicles we have impounded over the last two weeks were un-roadworthy and potentially dangerous, putting both their drivers and the public at risk.”

PC Huberman added: “Identifying these untaxed vehicles has helped us to detect other offences - such as driving without insurance or whilst disqualified, which also put the public at risk. There are clear links between the unlawful driver and involvement in other criminal offences and serious road collisions”.

“We know that there still remains a core group of hard evaders who have no intention of paying tax, and are usually equally remiss with their MOT and insurance,” concludes Jeff. “They have no concerns about the possible consequences either to themselves or, more importantly, to law abiding members of the community.”

“This operation has been a great success and a further endorsement of the benefits of our new strategy. We know who these people are, where they are and what vehicles they drive, and now with the help of the police our answer is simple: we’re taking your car - no more warnings.”

For Sussex Police press enquiries please contact:
Sue Heard
01273 665515
Suzanne.heard@sussex.pnn.police.uk

For DVLA press enquiries contact:
Ruth Thomas
020 7025 6437
ruth.thomas@redconsultancy.com

For general press enquiries please contact:
DVLA Press Office
01792 782318
www.dvla.gov.uk