Press release no:19 - DVLA joins forces with Humberside Police in crime crackdown

The Grimsby area is significantly safer today following the conclusion of Operation “Round – 2 – It”, a week long joint offensive between DVLA and Humberside Police to crack down on car crime.

During the operation, a total of 64 untaxed vehicles were clamped. Four motorists were given fixed penalty notices for having un-roadworthy vehicles, eight were stopped for numerous driving offences and three arrests were made. This was an intelligence led operation and all the information we obtain came from members of the public, we would therefore like to thank the people of North East Lincolnshire for passing on information and re-assure them we will act upon it no matter how trivial.

The operation was part of an initiative by DVLA and Humberside 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 demonstrates clearly the commitment of both Humberside 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 1 week of this operation, we have worked with Humberside Police in the Grimsby area 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.
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.

Commenting on the operation's success, Inspector Mike Dring of Humberside 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 were un-roadworthy and potentially dangerous, putting both their drivers and the public at risk.”

Inspector Dring added: “Identifying these untaxed vehicles has helped us to detect other offences - such as driving without documentation such as no drivers licence, insurance or MOT, which also puts 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 Insp Dring. “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 other agencies including DVLA our answer is simple: we’re taking your car - no more warnings.”

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