Press release no:16 - DVLA joins forces with West Merica Police in crime crackdown

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

During the operation, a total of 167 untaxed vehicles were clamped, 12 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for having un-roadworthy vehicles, 10 were stopped for driving without insurance and 8 motorists were caught driving without a valid MOT certificate. One arrest was also made for driving whilst disqualified.

The operation was part of an initiative by DVLA and West Mercia 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 the commitment of both West Mercia Police and DVLA to work 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 2 weeks of this operation, we have worked with West Mercia Police to identify and seize untaxed vehicles. 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, Acting Sergeant Andy Wallace of West Mercia Police said: “We are working closely with DVLA to remind drivers that not taxing their vehicle is against the law. Some of the vehicles clamped over the last two weeks were un-roadworthy and potentially dangerous, putting both their drivers and the public at risk.”

Acting Sergeant Wallace 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.”

Notes to editors:

1. The results of the 2004 Roadside Survey revealed that there are now nearly 700,000 fewer untaxed vehicles on our roads than in 2002, leading to improved road safety for all.

2. Members of the public can report unlicensed vehicles to DVLA on freephone 08000 325 202.

3. Under the new car tax rules, if a tax disc is not renewed on time the vehicle keeper will incur an £80 penalty. This penalty is reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days. If the vehicle remains unlicensed, determined offenders could face a minimum fine of £1000.

4. For clamped vehicles the release penalties are high, £80. In addition, a valid vehicle licence must also be produced. If a licence cannot be produced, a surety (£120 for a car or motorcycle, up to £600 for other vehicles) must be paid before the vehicle can be released. The surety payment is forfeited if a valid tax disc in not produced within 2 weeks.

For West Mercia Police press enquiries please contact:
Lynne Masters
01905 331674/01905 331663
lynne.masters@westmercia.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